United News of Bangladesh

The government is observing Wednesday (July 16), as a day of national mourning to commemorate ‘July Shaheed Day.’ The day marks the death of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, who was shot and killed by police in Rangpur during an anti-quota protest on July 16 last year. In recognition of the incident, the government has officially declared July 16 as ‘July Shaheed Day.’ A gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday (July 15) announced the state observance of mourning on this occasion. As part of the observance, the national flag is flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous and educational institutions, as well as at all government and non-government buildings and Bangladesh missions abroad. Prof Yunus calls for unity to build ‘New Bangladesh’ inspired by July martyrs Special prayers will be offered at all mosques and other places of worship across the country on Wednesday, seeking divine blessings for the departed souls. The Islamic Foundation has requested all khatibs, imams, and mosque committees to organise special prayers and munajat across the country following Zohr prayers and seek eternal peace for the martyrs of the July uprising. The Islamic Foundation will also host a special prayer session at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 1:30 pm today.

The Council of Advisers at a meeting on Sunday decided to celebrate ‘July Shaheed Day’ on July 16 and ‘Mass Uprising Day’ on August 5.  There will be no special celebrations for August 8, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the meeting of the Council of Advisers at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon. Govt declares Aug 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and Aug 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day' The government earlier announced August 5 as 'July Uprising Day' and August 8 as 'New Bangladesh Day.' August 8 marks the day when the interim government was formed following the overthrow of the previous government amid a mass uprising.