Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has said that the true way to honour the martyrs of the July uprising is by building an inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh. Speaking at the inauguration of the country’s first “July Martyrs’ Memorial” in Narayanganj today implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, she emphasized that justice, proper recognition, and responsible governance are essential to truly pay tribute to the martyrs.
She further stated that the families of the martyrs must be honoured, the list of the injured finalized, and compensation ensured. Moreover, she stressed the importance of ensuring that state forces can never again repeat the tragic act of killing their own citizens.
Referring to the sacrifice of those who were martyred and injured in the anti-autocracy student and mass uprising, the Advisor said their courage and sacrifice laid the very foundation of today’s independent and democratic Bangladesh. “The July uprising teaches us that establishing democracy requires fearless presence on the streets,” she remarked. “This memorial is not only a remembrance of the past but a reminder of our responsibility toward the future. We must collectively strive to build a just, inclusive Bangladesh to truly honour the martyrs.”
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Adilur Rahman Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiq-ul-Abar, Advisor to the Ministry of Education; Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration; Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka Division; and Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj, along with officials from various government and non-government organizations.
At the memorial, the advisors laid floral wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs. They also met with the family members of the victims, inquired about their well-being, and expressed deep sympathy. Later, Advisor Rizwana Hasan planted a tree in memory of the martyrs.