Dhaka University on Monday officially inaugurated the 'July Memory Museum' on the second floor of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) building to pay tributes to the memory of those who were martyred and injured in the historic July 2024 mass uprising.
The event was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, while Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar was present as the chief guest.
Expressing gratitude to Dhaka University authorities, Abrar said that the university has undertaken sustainable programmes centering the mass uprising. Today’s event is one of them. The martyrs sacrificed their lives to eliminate discrimination. They brought down autocracy and gave birth to a new Bangladesh. When a student visits this gallery, questions will arise in their mind—why did these young people give their lives? Then they will be able to understand.
Mentioning that Dhaka University is the birthplace of various democratic movements, he said, at one time, "we feared that our lives would end in deprivation. But because of the martyrs, that didn’t happen. Though many problems remain, today we can speak freely. For that, we are forever indebted to the families of the martyrs.
The education adviser said, "we as a nation will carry forward the commitment of the martyrs. Countless obstacles and conspiracies will arise, but still, we will ensure justice against those involved in this killing."
VC Niaz Ahmed said that today's event is merely an occasion to acknowledge the nation's debt. The ‘July Memory Museum’ has been inaugurated in a limited capacity. Gradually, it will be developed into a complete museum. This gallery is a national asset. "We must avoid political bickering and hateful attitudes regarding these matters. We will not let these topics be destroyed by political conflicts. The events of 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are part of a historical continuum. We will not allow any evil attempt to set them against each other."
Abu Hossain, brother of Shaheed Abu Sayed, said that their sacrifice has inspired people. The discrimination-free Bangladesh they dreamt of must be realised. At the same time, we want to ensure that no one has to take to the streets again for a just cause.
The welcome speech at the event was delivered by Pro-VC (Admin) and covenour of the 'July Memory Museum' committee, Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, while conducted by Professor Robaet Ferdous of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.
Also present at the event were Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, father of July Uprising martyr Farhan Faiyaz, Alhaj Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan; father of Shaheed Wasim Akram, Shafiul Alam; father of Shaheed Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, Mir Mostafizur Rahman; brother Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho; brother of Shaheed Abu Sayed, Abu Hossain; deans of various faculties, the proctor, chairpersons of different departments, directors of institutes, hall provosts, faculty members, student organization representatives, and injured students.
At the meeting, prayers were offered for the forgiveness of the martyrs' souls and the recovery of the injured. The prayer was led by Associate Professor Md. Rafiqul Islam of the Arabic Department.
