Bangladesh Observes National Mourning on July 16 Martyrs’ Day

Bangladesh is observing Martyrs’ Day today (Wednesday, July 16) in memory of Abu Sayeed, a university student who was killed during anti-quota protests last year. The government has declared the day as a national day of mourning.

On this day in 2024, Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead by police in Rangpur amid protests against the government’s quota system.

Following the incident, the government officially designated July 16 as July Martyrs’ Day, to be observed annually.

A gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on July 2 instructed all government institutions to observe the day at a national level. The day has been included under the 'Category B' list of national and international observances.

To mark the occasion, national flags are flying at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, and Bangladeshi missions abroad.

In addition, the government has approved the construction of a People’s Uprising Memorial Museum through a direct purchase procedure.

Ashik/M