Jatrabari honours July uprising martyrs with memorial plaque

In a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising, a memorial plaque was unveiled on Monday at the Jatrabari intersection, which has now been named "Shaheed Oikya Chattar." 

The plaque, inscribed with the names of 48 martyrs, honours those who sacrificed their lives during the students-people uprising against the Awami League regime. Ten more names are set to be added.

The memorial was built by July Biplab Parishad, a student-led organisation based in Jatrabari, formed in the wake of the uprising. 

Family members of the martyrs, alongside political leaders, unveiled the plaque in an emotional ceremony. 

The families at the event shared memories of their loved ones, recalling their bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the fight to free the nation from fascist rule.

Leaders from various political parties also attended the event, voicing their support for the martyrs' families and calling for justice. BNP leader Mohammad Nabiullah Nabi, Jagrata Bangladesh President Azmul Jihad, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party’s Abdul Wahab Minar were among the prominent figures who addressed the gathering.

The event was presided over by Shahnewaz Fahad, a permanent member of July Biplab Parishad, with Asifur Rahman conducting the proceedings. The speakers passionately demanded that those responsible for the mass killings, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, be brought to trial. They also urged the government to provide financial assistance to the families of the martyrs and injured, and to ensure better medical care for the wounded.

Additionally, the speakers called for the construction of memorials across the country to honor the martyrs of the July uprising, under government sponsorship.

July Biplab Parishad Convener Armin, Member Secretary Bijoy, and spokesperson Shadhin Khan were among those present at the ceremony. Nayem Hawlader, a permanent member of the organization, stated, "We are still collecting names of martyrs, and as we receive more, we will continue to update the plaque."