Dhaka University on Wednesday inaugurated the foundation of the July Memorial Monument, which is being built in memory of those killed during the July 2024 mass uprising.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam inaugurated the project at a ceremony held on the campus.
Among those present were the fathers of martyrs Mir Mughdo, Faiyaz and Yamin, along with the university's Pro-Vice-Chancellors (Academic and Administration), Treasurer, deans of different faculties, the proctor, teachers and university officials.
Speaking at the programme, the vice-chancellor said: "Two years ago today, a new sun rose over Bangladesh through the mass uprising that began on July 1 and culminated on what protesters referred to as '36 July,' or August 5. Sheikh Hasina fled the country with her sister. We have achieved a new Bangladesh through the blood of the martyrs."
He paid tribute to those killed and injured during the uprising and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls.
"To preserve the memory of the martyrs of the uprising, we are establishing the July Memorial Monument," he said.
Prof Obaidul alleged that, over the past 17 years, the Awami League government had committed various injustices to consolidate its power while ignoring the will and demands of the people.
"We cannot measure the extent to which people were indiscriminately killed and shot in their own country. There can be no forgiveness for such acts," he said.
The vice-chancellor also said the university had not forgotten what he described as the suppression of dissent under the previous Dhaka University administration.
"We have not forgotten the persecution of dissenting voices," he said, expressing hope that "fascism will never return to this country on the blood of the martyrs."