The mother of Ekramul Haque Sajid, a Jagannath University student described as a martyr of the July mass uprising, became emotional while recalling her son at an event on Tuesday, July 28. Speaking at the university’s central auditorium, she said she still sleeps with Sajid’s vest and described attending the programme as the mother of a martyr.

The discussion and prize-giving event was titled “July Mass Uprising: From Spark to Continuing Revolution.” Sajid’s mother said her son would not return, but his memory pursues her every moment. Holding his vest close while sleeping makes her feel that he is still near her, she said. Her remarks moved many teachers, students and guests to tears.

She remembered the sacrifices of those killed in the uprising and said Bangladesh, achieved in exchange for their blood, should not return to discrimination, injustice and autocracy. National Citizen Party convener Nahid Islam, university teachers and students, relatives of those killed and injured, and representatives of political and social organisations attended. Other speakers also called for united efforts to build a Bangladesh free of discrimination.