Dhaka University Central Students’ Union, or DUCSU, has begun an initiative to build a July memorial named “Nirbhik July” to preserve the memory of those described as martyrs in the July mass uprising. The foundation stone was formally laid at 9pm on August 5 in front of the DUCSU building at Dhaka University, with DUCSU leaders and about 50 members of martyrs’ and injured families present.

The programme opened with a special prayer seeking blessings for all those killed in the uprising. A father of one of the martyrs led the prayer for the country, the nation, and the martyrs and injured people. DUCSU Vice President Sadik Kayem said the uprising was an unforgettable chapter in efforts to establish freedom, democracy and human dignity, describing the planned memorial as a symbol of sacrifice, courage and resistance to injustice.

A martyr’s mother said remembrance of the sacrifices by future generations would provide some comfort to bereaved families. Another martyr’s father said the children had died for rights and justice and expressed hope that their dreams would not be lost. Several DUCSU office-bearers, hall representatives and students from different university departments also attended the event.