Monowara Begum, mother of Abu Sayeed—the first martyr of the July Revolution—continues to mourn beside her son’s grave in Rangpur. Family members say they cannot forget the loss and have renewed their call for the execution of the court verdict in his murder case. They also urged the government to fulfill Abu Sayeed’s dreams, which they believe symbolize the spirit of the July movement.

Abu Sayeed’s fellow activists and classmates described him as the movement’s inspiration, saying his sacrifice encouraged others to continue their struggle. They demanded the arrest of those still at large and full enforcement of the tribunal’s ruling, arguing that justice remains incomplete. Locals and university officials also remembered him as a polite and talented student whose death shocked the community.

Rangpur police stated that they have not yet received warrants for the fugitives and will act according to tribunal instructions. The Begum Rokeya University vice-chancellor said the institution is working to preserve Abu Sayeed’s memory and uphold his ideals for future generations.

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan has announced that the pledges and spirit of the July uprising will be implemented step by step. Speaking on Thursday at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur during a memorial event for Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the uprising, he said the government, which took office five months ago, is working to fulfill every commitment. He emphasized that the sacrifices of Abu Sayeed, Mugdha, and nearly two thousand others who died for democracy will never be forgotten.

The minister said a new Directorate of July has been established under his ministry to ensure the systematic implementation of the uprising’s commitments. He added that the government is prioritizing the demands of Abu Sayeed’s father, Mokbul Hossain, for industrialization and employment in Rangpur. The event was attended by university officials, political and social representatives, and families of the martyrs. A minute of silence and special prayers were held in memory of the July martyrs.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said initiatives are underway to build a gate, memorial, and residential hall named after Abu Sayeed, and to ensure justice in his murder case.

Leaders and activists in Rangpur observed July Martyrs Day on Thursday morning by paying tribute at the July Memorial. Speakers said the spirit of the July martyrs would inspire efforts to strengthen democracy and advance national prosperity. Participants included State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Shamu, local BNP and Chhatra Dal leaders, Jamaat and Islami Chhatra Shibir members, and representatives from local and divisional administrations and police.

Liberation War Affairs Minister stated that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s leadership, the ruling party is working to institutionalize democracy with cooperation from the opposition. In Pirganj’s Babonpur village, Dhaka North Jamaat leader S.M. Khaliduzzaman expressed concern that the country is moving toward fascism and that the ideals of martyr Abu Sayeed remain unfulfilled. BNP’s student wing president Rakibul Islam Rakib and Islami Chhatra Shibir president Nur Hossain Mohammad Saddam also visited Abu Sayeed’s grave, calling for justice and warning of possible street protests if delays continue.

The commemorations reflected differing political narratives but a shared emphasis on democratic values and justice for past violence.

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita announced that two model temples and cremation grounds will be built in Manikganj and Saturia. She made the announcement on Thursday afternoon while addressing a gathering at the Kalibari Temple in Manikganj town during the Rath Yatra celebration. The minister emphasized that the people of Manikganj remain united beyond religious and communal lines, reflecting exceptional harmony and solidarity.

Afroza Khanam Rita stated that no new temples or cremation grounds had been constructed in Manikganj over the past 17 years. She said she had learned about the difficulties faced by the local Hindu community during her visits and assured that all necessary development initiatives for the Sanatan religious community would be undertaken. Following the event, she inaugurated the Rath Yatra and personally donated one lakh taka for the community feast.

The event was chaired by Dr. Umesh Chandra Sarkar, with participation from local officials and representatives of various religious and social organizations, including the Hindu Buddhist Christian Welfare Front and the Puja Celebration Council.

BNP leader Saidur Rahman Humayun has alleged that a local group is extorting Tk 700 to 1,000 from each fertilizer-laden truck leaving the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory in Narsingdi. He made the allegation at a press conference in Narsingdi town on Thursday afternoon, claiming that the group operates under the name of contractor Jahangir Alam’s firm, which is linked to a banned political organization.

Humayun, who serves as the Director General of the Bangladesh Fertilizer Association and Senior Joint Convener of the Palash Upazila Jubo Dal, said the extortion is being carried out by local agents of Jahangir Enterprise. He stated that when he protested, one of the alleged extortionists, Zakir Hossain, filed a false drug case against him. The BNP leader added that the factory produces about 2,800 tons of fertilizer daily, which is distributed nationwide through BCI dealers.

Humayun said he held the press conference to demand withdrawal of what he described as fabricated cases filed to harass him politically, commercially, and socially.

Across Bangladesh, July Martyrs’ Day 2026 was observed on Thursday with discussions, prayer gatherings, and tributes at memorials in remembrance of those who died during the July–August 2024 mass uprising. The movement, which began as a student protest demanding reform of discriminatory quotas in government jobs, later evolved into a nationwide anti-autocracy uprising that ended more than fifteen years of authoritarian rule.

District administrations organized commemorative events in nearly every region, including Manikganj, Kishoreganj, Lakshmipur, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, Gopalganj, Rajshahi, and others. Local officials, political leaders, student activists, and families of the martyrs attended the programs. Activities included floral tributes at July memorials, special prayers for the departed, and discussions recalling the significance of the movement.

The observances reflected a unified national effort to honor the sacrifices of those who contributed to the democratic transformation that followed the 2024 uprising, with participation from government representatives, social organizations, and citizens across the country.

July Martyrs’ Day was observed in Khulna on Thursday, 16 July 2026, with solemn tributes and commemorative events. Family members of July martyrs, freedom fighters, government officials, and political leaders placed floral wreaths at the Shibbari Martyrs’ Memorial. The ceremony was attended by the Divisional Commissioner Abdullah Harun, Range DIG Mostafizur Rahman, Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, KCC Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, and other senior officials.

A discussion and prayer session was later held at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, with Khulna-1 Member of Parliament Amir Ejaz Khan as the chief guest. He stated that the current government is implementing the commitments of the July Charter and working in favor of the referendum’s “yes” campaign. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s democratic movements evolved through long struggles against oppression and that today’s representatives enjoy the freedom to express their views.

The event, presided over by Divisional Commissioner Abdullah Harun, was attended by senior police and administrative officials, as well as representatives of political and social organizations.

Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association President Chowdhury Mazhar Ali, known as Shiva Shanu, said he feels ashamed when artists mock July, emphasizing that true artistry requires emotion, conscience, and awareness. He made the remarks on Thursday at the National Film Archive in Agargaon, Dhaka, during a discussion organized by the July Martyrs’ Memorial Foundation to mark July Martyrs’ Day.

Shanu assured the families of July martyrs that many artists, including himself, remain committed to supporting the nation, its people, and the families of those who sacrificed their lives. He recalled his participation in anti-autocracy movements, saying that although many activists faced imprisonment or persecution, they stood firm for democracy and human rights. He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of the martyrs by working for a just and democratic Bangladesh.

Calling for a corruption-free and autocracy-free nation, Shanu said the change must begin within individuals. He pledged to dedicate the rest of his life to serving the July fighters and their families, expressing deep emotion over memories of the movement and its sacrifices.

Former state minister Sohel Taj has alleged that a powerful family and its associates have destroyed Bangladesh’s democratic system through repression, corruption, and large-scale money laundering. He made the remarks on Thursday, July 16, 2026, in a post on his personal Facebook account, claiming that the group is now abroad inciting ordinary party members.

In his post, Sohel Taj wrote that the family and its close circle have harmed the nation through killings, enforced disappearances, and torture, particularly during the July-August uprising, which he said resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and permanent disabilities. He further alleged that massive sums of money were smuggled abroad, weakening the Awami League as an organization.

According to his statement, those currently living overseas are monitoring the situation from afar, sitting on the wealth they allegedly laundered, and attempting to reassert control over the country through local supporters.

Professor Dr. Md. Ainul Islam, newly appointed dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jagannath University, left his office on Thursday, July 16, 2026, following protests by several student organizations and general students. Demonstrators from the JnU units of Chhatra Dal, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, and others staged a sit-in outside the dean’s office, demanding the cancellation of his appointment, which they described as a “rehabilitation of fascism.” Amid slogans and growing tension, Dr. Islam exited the office, escorted by university proctors.

Protesting students alleged that Dr. Islam had taken a controversial stance during the July 2024 movement and criticized the decision to appoint him to a key administrative post. Leaders of the student groups argued that his past actions were inconsistent with the university’s values and the spirit of the July movement. University Proctor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin confirmed that the administration would review the allegations.

Dr. Islam stated that his appointment was legally valid and that the accusations were old and politically motivated. He said he left the office respectfully, considering the situation, and expressed confidence that an investigation would clarify the facts.

Md. Riazul Islam, vice president of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JCC), has been appointed as the central student rights secretary of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. At the same time, JCC general secretary and Jagannath University branch Shibir president Abdul Alim Arif has been selected as a member of the organization’s central executive council. The announcement was confirmed on Thursday, July 16, by the university branch of the organization following a partial update of the central secretariat’s leadership list earlier in the week.

According to organizational sources, the appointments are part of a new distribution of responsibilities within the central body. Riazul Islam said the central leadership of Islami Chhatra Shibir changes annually through a systematic process and sought prayers to fulfill his new duties with honesty and dedication. Abdul Alim Arif described his appointment as a trust and a test from God, expressing his intention to perform his responsibilities with accountability.

The new appointments reflect the continuation of the organization’s internal leadership rotation process, as confirmed by its representatives.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said Bangladesh does not want a return to political violence where people die from gunfire. He made the remarks on Thursday at the National Film Archive in Agargaon, Dhaka, during a discussion organized by the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation to mark July Martyrs Day. He emphasized that the nation cannot forget the July martyrs and described the current government as one that upholds the spirit of July and the Liberation War.

Dr. Rahman said the government has a moral responsibility to stand beside the families of those killed or injured during the July uprising. He added that the struggle for human dignity and social justice, envisioned during the Liberation War, remains incomplete. Other speakers, including JSSF CEO Kamal Akbar and Professor Dr. Shah Md. Nistar Jahan Kabir, highlighted the need to preserve the memory of the martyrs and warned against external conspiracies.

Cultural figures such as actor Helal Khan and Film Artists Association President Chowdhury Mazhar Ali also spoke, urging artists to uphold national consciousness and respect the July movement’s legacy.

The Bangladesh Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, approved a proposal to celebrate National Youth Day on November 1 and International Youth Day on August 12 each year. The decision was made during the 13th cabinet meeting held on Thursday afternoon at the Bangladesh Secretariat. A press release from the Cabinet Division confirmed the approval and outlined the reasoning behind the change.

Previously, both days were observed separately until an interim government advisory council decided to merge them into a single celebration on August 12. The first joint observance took place in 2025. However, due to monsoon conditions, organizing youth rallies, assemblies, and fairs proved difficult, limiting opportunities for youth entrepreneurs to display and sell their products.

The Cabinet noted that holding youth fairs outside the National Youth Day period failed to attract sufficient public participation or commercial success. Considering these factors, the government decided to revert to separate observances to ensure better organization and engagement.

A commotion broke out at Khulna’s Shaheed Suhrawardy College during a July Martyrs’ Day discussion meeting after a teacher’s remarks on freedom of speech. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday in the college’s teachers’ lounge. Lecturer Moniruzzaman Morol from the Management Department said that the July uprising restored freedom of speech that was absent under fascist rule. Some teachers reportedly mocked his comments, leading to a heated exchange.

Moniruzzaman alleged that Assistant Professor Imran Hossain Azam Khan from the Accounting Department criticized him loudly and that two other teachers, Raihan Hossain and Ayesha Abu Bakkar, supported Imran with inappropriate remarks. He further claimed Imran was a former leader of a banned student organization and had avoided the college for months after the July uprising. Imran denied the allegations, saying Moniruzzaman often provokes disputes and personally insults him.

Principal Ruma Nandi stated that the dispute was personal and not related to the July discussion, describing the incident as minor. She added that since August, the college has avoided assigning Imran to speak at events.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer and Member of Parliament Professor Mujibur Rahman said the July uprising represented a united public resistance against oppression, injustice, and autocracy. Speaking on Thursday evening at the party’s Dhaka North office in Baridhara during a discussion and prayer meeting marking July Martyrs’ Day, he emphasized that Islam teaches protest against injustice and called for building a justice-based Bangladesh inspired by the spirit of July.

Professor Mujibur Rahman stated that Jamaat achieved victory when it refused to bow to injustice and accepted the gallows instead. He alleged that the Awami League destroyed democracy through the 2024 election and committed mass killings in July. He urged all political parties claiming to be democratic to implement the verdict of the July uprising, warning that any government ignoring the people’s verdict would lose public acceptance.

Dhaka North Jamaat Ameer and DNCC mayoral candidate Mohammad Selim Uddin said the people would never abandon the ideals of July and vowed to resist all conspiracies against it. The event concluded with prayers for the martyrs and the recovery of the injured.