Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today addressed the inaugural ceremony of the country’s first ‘July Martyrs’ Memorial’ in Narayanganj.Photo: PID

DHAKA, July 14, 2025 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said building an inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh is the true way to honour the martyrs of the July uprising. 

 She made the remark while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the country’s first ‘July Martyrs’ Memorial’ in Narayanganj.

Rizwana, also adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized that justice, proper recognition and responsible governance are essential to truly pay tribute to the martyrs, said a press release here.

The adviser said that the families of the martyrs must be honoured, the list of the injured finalized, and compensation for them must be ensured. 

She stressed the importance of ensuring that state forces can never again repeat the tragic act of killing their own citizens.

Referring to the sacrifice of those who became martyred and injured in the anti-autocracy student and mass uprising, Syeda Rizwana said their courage and sacrifice laid the very foundation of today’s independent and democratic Bangladesh. 

She said, “The July uprising teaches us that establishing democracy requires fearless presence on the streets. This memorial is not only a remembrance of the past but a reminder of our responsibility toward the future. We must collectively strive to build a just, inclusive Bangladesh to truly honour the martyrs.”

The ceremony was attended by Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiq-ul-Abar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education; Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration; Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Division; and Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj, along with officials from various government and non-government organizations.

At the memorial, the advisers laid floral wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs. They also met with the family members of the victims, inquired about their well-being, and expressed deep sympathy. 

Later, Advisor Rizwana Hasan planted a tree in memory of the martyrs.