A prayer and discussion meeting was held at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSU) in memory of the martyrs and injured in the July Uprising.

The program, organized at the university’s TSC conference room at 11 am on Tuesday (August 4), was presided over by the convener of the July commemoration celebration committee, Professor Dr. Mohammad Hamidur Rahman. General Secretary of the University Zia Parishad, Dr. Hachib Mohammad Tushar, moderated the program. The program was addressed as the chief guest by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Saiful Islam and Treasurer Professor Dr. Mohammad Atiqur Rahman were special guests. The university’s Registrar Professor Mohammad Jamal Hossain delivered the welcome address.

At the beginning of the program, Mehedi Hasan Babu, a student of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), screened two documentaries on the July Uprising through a multimedia projector. During the screening of the documentary, the teachers, students, officers and employees present remembered the sacrifice of the martyrs with deep emotion. Later, the Vice-Chancellor’s written message was read out by Deputy Registrar of the VC’s Office Dr. Rahat Mahmud.

Ratan Chandra Tarua, father of Hridoy Chandra Tarua, martyr of the July Uprising, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Professor M. Zahurul Haque, General Secretary of the University Chhatra Dal Sohel Rana Joni, Nahid Islam, Md. Rakib, Tanmoy, Omio Zaman, Emon Hossain, Ashikur Rahman, Shamim Mahmud Abir, Khalid Mahmud, Md. Sabbir, Shahadat Hossain and employee representative Mahbubur Rahman.

In his speech as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan said, “Some moments in the history of a nation are not just the name of an event; they become symbols of courage, sacrifice and change of a generation. The mass uprising of July ’24 teaches us that the collective stand of people against injustice, discrimination and oppression can change the course of history. This history of sacrifice will be a source of inspiration for future generations.”

He said, “Today’s discussion is not just a commemoration; it is an important occasion for self-criticism, learning and reaffirming our commitment to the future. The best way to preserve the dignity of the martyrs’ sacrifice is to fulfill our responsibilities with honesty, sincerity and dedication from our respective positions in building a non-discriminatory, humane, accountable and developed Bangladesh.”

The Vice-Chancellor further said, “A university is not just a center for the pursuit of knowledge; it is also one of the institutions for developing ethics, human values, responsible leadership and patriotism. Patuakhali University of Science and Technology always believes in the practice of truth, justice, humanity and free thinking. We want to develop students who, in addition to knowledge and research, will establish themselves as responsible citizens towards the country and society.”

At the end of the discussion, the chief guest and special guests presented a souvenir to Ratan Chandra Tarua, father of July fighter Shaheed Hridoy Tarua. Later, special prayers and supplications were held to pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyred fighters in the July Uprising and for the good health, longevity and welfare of the injured fighters. This information was given in a press release signed by Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Sabuj, Senior Deputy Director of the University’s Public Relations and Publications Department.