Khulna Observes July Martyrs' Day with Due Respect

July Martyrs' Day was observed in Khulna today with due respect through wreath-laying ceremonies, prayers and commemorative programmes.

Marking the day, family members of the July martyrs and participants in the July movement paid tribute by placing wreaths at the July Martyrs' Memorial in Shibbari area in the city.

Floral tributes were also placed by representatives of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad, Khulna district and city units, Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun, Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat, Superintendent of Police, Chairman of Khulna Development Authority (KDA), Chairman of Khulna WASA and officials of different government departments, alongside leaders of various political parties. A discussion meeting and prayer session was later held at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

Speaking as the chief guest, lawmaker of Khulna-1 constituency Amir Ejaz Khan said the government was implementing the commitments outlined in the July Charter and working in line with the public mandate.

He said no democratic mass movement in Bangladesh had emerged overnight, adding that people took to the streets after enduring years of repression, harassment and anti-people activities.

"The continuation of that movement has enabled many of us to serve as elected representatives in parliament, whether in the government or the opposition, and to express our views freely," he said.

The MP said constructive discussion and criticism were essential features of a democratic state and healthy political practice.

He prayed for eternal peace of the souls of those martyred during the July movement and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

He also said the state would ensure due honour and allowances for the martyrs, the injured and all genuine participants in the July movement.

Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun chaired the discussion, which was addressed, among others, by Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman, KMP Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Hasan, Deputy Commissioner Hure Jannat, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Tajul Islam, Khulna WASA Chairman Mohammad Moniruzzaman, father of martyred Sheikh Md Sakib Raihan, Sheikh Azizur Rahman, and Khulna city Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Professor Mahfuzur Rahman.

Government officials, family members of those killed in the July mass uprising, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and representatives of different political parties attended the programme.

Special prayers were also offered at mosques across the city, while temples, churches, pagodas and other places of worship held prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs.

Educational institutions also organised discussion meetings and prayer sessions to mark the day.