On Monday afternoon, students gathered in front of Begum Rokeya University’s main gate, demanding the immediate correction of the date of Abu Sayed’s death in the new edition of NCTB textbooks, along with addressing other inaccuracies.
They issued a 24-hour ultimatum, warning of stronger actions if their demands were not met.
In the new textbooks for primary and secondary education this year, the July uprising is reflected in various forms such as stories, poems, compilations and illustrations.
In the 9th-10th grade “English for Today” book, a chapter titled "Graffiti" on the July uprising has been included, featuring a protest message “Hamak Betak Marlu Kene?” painted on a Metro Rail pillar.
Further pages of the book mention the martyrdom of Abu Sayed, although it incorrectly states his death as occurring on July 17, rather than the correct date, July 16.
Speakers at the rally, including Shamsur Rahman Suman from the Bengali Department and Rahmat Ali from the Computer Science and Engineering Department, expressed their anger.
They said: “If those involved in the conspiracy against martyr Abu Sayed are not held accountable, the student community will not accept it. They have deliberately distorted his legacy.”
They further said: “Abu Saeed, on July 16 last year, stood fearless in front of the police at the university’s main gate. His martyrdom should be remembered correctly. Changing the date of his death to July 17 in textbooks sends the wrong message to future generations.”
Additionally, the protestors raised concerns over the misrepresentation of Abu Sayed's story in the textbooks.
Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, was shot and killed by police during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The movement, which called for the reform of the quota system in government jobs, had spread nationwide, and on the afternoon of July 16 last year, Abu Sayed was shot at Park Mor, in front of the university.
The 25-year-old was a student of the 12th batch of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University.
During the student rally, he was at the forefront.
As police opened fire, Abu Sayed stood firm with both hands outstretched, holding a stick in one hand.
When a video of his shooting, while unarmed, went viral, it sparked a nationwide outcry.
His death became a rallying point for the quota reform movement and his image standing before the police, arms raised, became a symbol of resistance and inspiration for the protesters.
In the wake of his death, mass protests intensified, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 and the end of nearly 16 years of Awami League rule.
However, officials from the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) have acknowledged this error and have promised to make corrections.
Meanwhile, protests and human chains were organized in Rangpur against the distortion of history in the new textbooks.