Bangladesh is observing Historic July Martyrs’ Day on Thursday, paying tribute to those who lost their lives during the quota reform protests of 2024, a movement that later grew into a nationwide uprising and reshaped the country’s political landscape.
The day is being marked with commemorative events, public tributes and messages from the country’s leadership, as people remember those who died and others who were seriously injured during months of unrest.
Among those most widely remembered is Abu Sayeed, an English department student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, who was killed after police opened fire during demonstrations on 16 July 2024.
His death became one of the defining moments of the movement after a photograph showing him standing with his arms spread wide while facing armed police circulated across the country. The image quickly became a symbol of defiance and drew widespread public attention.
Another victim remembered on the day is Mohammad Wasim Akram, a college student who was killed during protests in Chattogram. At least six people lost their lives on 16 July, according to official accounts of the unrest.
What began as demonstrations demanding reforms to Bangladesh’s public sector job quota system gradually expanded into broader protests against the government.
Over the following weeks, the movement attracted widespread public support before developing into a student-led mass uprising. The political crisis eventually culminated in the departure of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country on 5 August 2024.
Marking the anniversary, President Mohammed Shahabuddin honoured those who were killed and recognised the many people who continue to live with life-changing injuries sustained during the protests.
He expressed sympathy for the families of the victims and thanked those who took part in what he described as a significant democratic movement.
In his message, the president said the July uprising reflected growing public frustration over inequality, corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, restrictions on voting rights and what he characterised as years of authoritarian governance.
He said the movement belonged to the people rather than any individual or political organisation, describing it as a collective expression of courage and a demand for democratic change.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman also issued a message, describing 16 July as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s recent history.
He said the determination shown by students and ordinary citizens in the face of state repression had awakened the conscience of the nation.
The Prime Minister paid particular tribute to Abu Sayeed, saying the image of the student standing unarmed before police gunfire had become a lasting symbol of courage and the struggle for democratic rights.
Across Bangladesh, commemorations are taking place through remembrance ceremonies and public observances, with organisers and officials renewing calls to uphold democratic values while honouring those who lost their lives during one of the country’s most significant protest movements in recent history.
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