Chhatra Shibir honours 26 Private University Martyrs

Desk Report: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has inaugurated the "36th July Martyrs' Memorial Garden" to commemorate 26 students from private universities who lost their lives during the July uprising, describing their role as a decisive force in sustaining the movement.The memorial garden was inaugurated on Friday by Abdur Razzaq, father of Asif Iqbal, a student of Independent University who was killed during the uprising. Speaking at the ceremony, he expressed hope that private university students would continue to stand up for the nation in times of crisis, following the example of his son. He also thanked the Private University East Branch of Chhatra Shibir for organizing the tribute.Addressing the event, Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam said private university students played a pivotal role when the movement had begun to lose momentum."Most private university students are not seeking government jobs, yet they came to the streets selflessly. At a critical stage of the July uprising, they became the driving force that revitalized the movement," he said.Marking the second anniversary of the July uprising, Nurul Islam said the organization has launched nationwide commemorative programmes, including memorial initiatives for martyrs from private universities and child victims.He also highlighted what he described as the contributions of private university students in establishing resistance points at BNS Center in Uttara, Pragati Sarani, Rampura Bridge and Mirpur, which, he claimed, helped intensify the movement.As part of the programme, 26 trees were planted, each dedicated to one of the private university students who lost their lives during the 2024 student-led mass uprising.The event was chaired by Rezaul Karim, President of Chhatra Shibir's Private University East Branch. Among others present were Asif Abdullah, the organization's Central International Affairs Secretary and former DUCSU Transport Secretary. The memorial garden has been established as part of Chhatra Shibir's nationwide observance marking the second anniversary of the July uprising.