July Martyrs' Day tomorrow

Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on the party's leaders, activists and the public to observe July Martyrs' Day on July 16 with due respect and remembrance of those who lost their lives during July Uprising.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, he described July 16 as a glorious yet painful day in the nation's history and paid tribute to those who, he said, sacrificed their lives while protesting against discrimination, injustice and repression.

He prayed for the departed souls of those killed and expressed sympathy for the bereaved families as well as those injured during the movement.

Referring to the anti-quota protests of July 2024, Dr Shafiqur said the death of Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed during demonstrations in Rangpur became a turning point that transformed the movement into a nationwide uprising.

He further claimed that the movement eventually evolved into a broader campaign demanding the removal of the then government and alleged that security forces opened fire on protesters, resulting in significant casualties and injuries.