July Martyrs' Day today
The day is being observed in memory of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the 2024 student-led quota reform movement, and all those who lost their lives during the July Uprising
ATT Desk Report 
Bangladesh is observing July Shaheed Dibas (July Martyrs' Day) today (16 July) in memory of Abu Sayed, the first martyr of the 2024 student-led quota reform movement, and all those who lost their lives during the July Uprising.
To mark the occasion, the national flag is being flown at half-mast at government, semi-government and autonomous offices, educational institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad, reports state news agency BSS.
Special prayers and supplications are being held at religious institutions across the country for the salvation of the departed souls.
July 16 is widely regarded as the turning point that transformed the student-led quota reform movement into a nationwide mass uprising.
Abu Sayeed spread his hands as police fired rubber bullets, leading to his tragic death. Photos: Collected
On that day, Abu Sayed, a 23-year-old student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was shot dead by police. Video footage showing him standing unarmed with his arms outstretched became a defining symbol of the movement.
At least five other demonstrators were also killed in Dhaka, Chattogram and Rangpur the same day. The violence triggered widespread public outrage and drew people from all walks of life to join the protests.
The movement culminated in the fall of the Awami League government on August 5.
On 2 July 2025, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification declaring July 16 as July Shaheed Dibas (July Martyrs' Day).
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion.
The President paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising and called for collective efforts to build a discrimination-free and equitable Bangladesh in line with their aspirations.
In his message, the prime minister honoured those who were killed and injured during the movement, describing July 16 as a day of profound respect, mourning and gratitude, while renewing the nation's commitment to institutionalising democracy.
He recalled that at least six people, including Abu Sayed and college student Mohammad Wasim Akram in Chattogram, were killed during the anti-government movement on 16 July 2024.
Referring to Abu Sayed's final moments, the PM said his act of standing before police with his arms outstretched became a powerful symbol that inspired people across the country.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has taken extensive security measures to ensure the peaceful observance of the day.
In a statement, RAB said it strengthened security arrangements in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, intelligence organisations and the local administration following an assessment of potential security risks.
The elite force said intelligence surveillance has been intensified, plain-clothes personnel deployed along key routes, patrols increased and additional checkpoints set up at strategic points. Security has also been reinforced at programme venues and memorial sites countrywide.
