Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, July 16, 2025 (BSS) - Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) today observed the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed, the pioneer and first martyr of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and July Martyrs' Day-2025 with due dignity. 
 
On the occasion, Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali visited the grave of Shaheed  Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village of Pirganj upazila this morning. 
 
 Abu Sayeed's father, brother, fellow soldiers of the July Revolution and injured students, along with teachers, students, officials and employees of the university were present. 
 
After visiting the grave of Abu Sayeed and coming back, a massive mourning rally was brought out in the campus and its adjoining areas. 

On the occasion, the foundation stones of the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate, Museum and Street Memory Stamp and the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument were laid.
 
Abu Sayeed's father Md Mokbul Hossain with Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Adviser Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, Water Resources and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and other guests laid the foundation stones.
 
  UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz, its member Professor Dr Tanzimuddin Khan and Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Education Siddique Jobayer and members of 22 families of the martyrs’ of Rangpur were present.
 
Later, a discussion was organized at the Independence Memorial Square with Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali in the chair. 
 
Abu Sayeed's father Md Mokbul Hossain addressed the discussion as the chief guest. 
 
He demanded that the persons involved in    Abu Sayeed's murder must be identified and given appropriate punishment. 
 
The members of the martyrs’  family expressed their feelings on the July Movement as special guests. 
 
Professor Dr Asif Nazrul who joined the event as guest of honour said that Shaheed Abu Sayeed was the greatest hero of the July Movement, his ideals were for truth and justice and immortal sacrifice teaches innocent people to be protesters. 
 
“The trial of  Shaheed  Abu Sayeed murder case is progressing in  full swing  and it will be completed during the tenure of the interim government,” he said. 
 
As another guest of honour, Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the bloody streak of Shaheed  Abu Sayeed's self-sacrifice is still indelible in our national memory. 
 
“His sacrifice was a strong protest against the existing inequality in the state and social structure of Bangladesh,” she added. 
 
UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz said that the incident of Shaheed Abu Sayeed's self-sacrifice has become a symbolic source of our nation's self-awakening today. 
 
“The courage of his heart, sharpness of thought and the brilliance of his leadership were the bells of a renaissance for the student community of the country. History will remember him forever,” he said.
 
Convener of the July Martyrs’ Day Celebration Committee Professor Dr Md Tajul Islam, Registrar Dr Md Harun-or Rashid, fellow students of Abu Sayeed's and members of the martyrs’s family, among others, spoke. 
 
The 22 family members of the martyrs’ of the July Revolution were presented with commemorative mementos. 
 
The cover of the July commemorative book published on the occasion of the first martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Abu Sayeed was also unveiled. 
 
Two documentaries on the contribution of Shaheed  Abu Sayeed in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were screened. 
 
In addition, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast and the black flag was hoisted on the occasion of the July Martyrs' Day- 2025. 
 
Various programmes including blood donation, art exhibitions, art competitions, doa and milad mahfil were organized to mark the July Martyrs' Day.