Dhaka University has unveiled the foundation stone for a “July Memorial Monument” to preserve memories of the July mass uprising and present its history and sacrifices to younger generations. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam inaugurated the foundation stone at the mall area beside the university’s administrative building at 10:30am on August 5. Families of those killed in the uprising, teachers, officials and student organisation representatives attended.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor hosted a tea gathering for members of the families of those killed. A discussion meeting on the uprising was later held at the Teacher-Student Centre auditorium. The vice-chancellor described the uprising as an unforgettable chapter in the struggle for freedom, democracy and justice, saying its central lesson was building a non-discriminatory, just, humane and democratic state.

The university said it has implemented programmes including the memorial monument, a July Corner, preservation of photographs and graffiti, and tuition-fee waivers for July fighters and injured students. Five relatives of people killed in the uprising received honours at the meeting. Injured students also shared their experiences, while attendees held a special prayer and observed one minute of silence for those killed.