July Graffiti - Photo: Collected

DHAKA, July 26, 2025 (BSS) - In tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs of the July Uprising, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division today distributed commemorative crests and financial aid among 16 martyr families and one injured individual.

As part of the ongoing "July Reawakening" programme 2025, an event was organized featuring a discussion and prayer session, where each recipient was handed a cheque for Tk 1 lakh.

Representatives of various affiliated companies of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division were present at the event that took place at the Dr. Habibur Rahman Auditorium in Petrobangla Bhaban in the capital's Karwan Bazar, said a press release. 

Senior officials from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and its subordinate offices, agencies, and companies attended the event alongside members of the families of the July martyrs and wounded July warriors.

The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Petrobangla's Imam, Qari Maulana Md. Abdul Hai. Following this, several speakers highlighted the significance of the July Uprising.

Injured July warrior Hossain Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the Energy and Mineral Resources Division for organizing the event and inviting him. 

Recalling the incident that unfolded in front of Jatrabari Police Station on August 5, he said, "A police officer pressed a gun against my hand and shot point blank range - resulting in the complete separation of my limb. Believing I was dead, they loaded me into a vehicle."

He went on to share his ordeal of survival, detailing how his brothers later rescued and took him to hospital, where he received critical medical attention. 

Alhaj Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, father of slain Faiyaz, said in his remarks, "My son had plans to go abroad. He wasn't supposed to work in a government job. He joined the movement to protest injustice, corruption, and discrimination. On July 18, near Dhanmondi 27, he was killed." 

He added, "To a father, the body of a child is the heaviest burden. Attending such events deepens the pain, yet I feel honored that my son is being remembered with respect."

Speaking at the event as chief guest, Energy and Mineral Resources Division Secretary Mohammad Saiful Islam paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising, calling their sacrifices as one of the nation's greatest achievements. 

He said, "The July Uprising is proof that there are still good people in Bangladesh - that the country hasn't decayed. It shows the people's spirit, their love for the nation, and their drive to assert Bangladesh's place in the world. This is a milestone."

Referring to the tragic jet crash involving Milestone School and College, he especially honored the sacrifice of the teachers, describing it as a rare act of love for the nation, society, and people - an inspiration for all.

While recalling a young July fighter named Arif, he mentioned, "He wrote a letter to his mother before joining the protest, saying, 'Even if I don't return, my country will." This shows that the July Uprising is deeply rooted in patriotism, he highlighted, adding "Corruption and the July Movement are two completely opposing forces."

The Secretary further remarked, "These events prove that good people still outnumber the bad in this country. We cannot let a handful of wrongdoers ruin the nation. It is our duty to identify them and take action so they can no longer harm the country."

Special guest Md. Amin Ul Ahsan, chairman of BPC, said, "Each of us has our own duties. If we perform those properly and with accountability, then rights won't be violated, and inequality won't arise." 

He added, "As government employees, we must remember - no matter how high the position, even the Chief Justice - we will all be held accountable one day."

Chairman of Petrobangla Md. Rezanur Rahman, who presided over the event, thanked everyone and expressed deep gratitude to the family members of the martyrs. He called on all to uphold the spirit of the July Uprising in building the nation.

The event concluded with a special prayer and munajat led by Maulana Gazi Sanaullah, seeking forgiveness for the souls of all martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the July Uprising.