JASHORE — The first anniversary of the bloody July uprising was observed at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium in Jashore, organized by the Jashore Cultural Center.
The discussion and cultural program ran from Sunday afternoon, July 27, into late night. The event featured a re-reading of history, remembrance of the martyrs and a call to build a future Bangladesh.
Jashore Deputy Commissioner Md. Azaharul Islam was chief guest at the discussion titled “July uprising: thoughts of youth and Bangladesh.” He said the bloody history of last July was not only mourning but a powerful message about the fall of autocracy. Those who died as martyrs gave their lives for freedom, democracy and justice, and the path ahead must be drawn in the light of their sacrifice, he said.
Speaking as a special guest, educator and political figure Professor Golam Rasul said the July uprising was the result of unified protest by students and the public, and that unity had cornered the fallen autocratic government. He warned that fascist collaborators were embedded in various political parties and trying to bring the same situation back. During the Awami League’s autocratic rule, opposition activists from Jamaat-e-Islami, Chhatra Shibir and the BNP faced harassment cases, political repression, enforced disappearances and false propaganda, he said. If students and the public are not united, that dark era could return, he warned, adding that those sowing division along religious, caste, professional and political lines must be identified.
The event was inaugurated by Abdul Jabbar, the father of martyr Abdullah. With emotion in his voice, he said his son gave his life to do something for the nation, and he was proud the sacrifice had not been in vain. He said he wanted the names of the martyrs to be more than banners — their ideals should be put into practice.
Also present were Md. Asaduzzaman, chief executive officer of Jashore District Council; Dr. Sharfuzzaman Ranj, president of the National Doctors Front; and student representative Samiul Alam Shimul.
The session was chaired by Advocate Gazi Enamul Haque, president of the Jashore Cultural Center, and moderated by Professor Abul Hashim Reza. Following the discussion, a cultural program of songs, recitation and theater paid tribute to the martyrs. The full auditorium stood in respect.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report