Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) observed ‘July Martyrs’ Day’ today (16 July) commemorating the students who laid down their lives during the July uprising. The day’s programmes began with a rally at 10:00am from the university’s administrative building premises.

Later at 11:00 am, an official discussion session was held at the university’s mini auditorium, attended by teachers, students, and administrative staff.

SUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A M Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. Also present were Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sajedul Karim, Treasurer Professor Dr Md Ismail Hossain, and the convenor of the day’s celebration committee, Professor Ahmad Kabir Chowdhury. Deans of various faculties, department heads, members of the proctorial body, hall provosts, teachers, officials, and students also joined the event.

In the discussion session, speakers paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and emphasised the significance of fulfilling the dreams and ideals they stood for.

Treasurer Professor Dr Md Ismail Hossain said, “The dream that fuelled the movement must be realised. In the name of democracy, many innocent lives were lost in the past — justice for those victims is essential.” Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sajedul Karim remarked,
 “No one expected that the blood of Abu Saeed, spilled on 16 July last year, would ignite such a powerful spark of resistance across the country. It was a united public movement, successful because of collective participation.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sarwar Uddin Chowdhury stated, “When the state apparatus is used against the people, public resistance inevitably arises. For the holistic development of the country, it is essential to build an honest administration and an internationally competitive education system. At SUST, we are working to transform the institution into a teaching and research university — and we seek sincere cooperation from all stakeholders.”

The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to honour the sacrifices of the martyrs through academic excellence and institutional integrity.