A drone show at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue commemorated the July uprising on Monday to mark Pohela Boishakh, highlighting the sacrifices of martyr Abu Sayed and Mir Mughdo, but the omission of Chhatra Dal leader martyr Wasim Akram’s name sparked criticism from the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student wing.
In a Facebook post, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir wrote: “It is unfortunate that Shaheed Wasim Akram was not remembered, even though he had been martyred in the same movement against fascism alongside Abu Sayeed.”
He alleged that the government is deliberately trying to erase Wasim Akram’s sacrifice.
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Nasir said Wasim was a politically conscious student leader who took to the streets not for personal gains or employment-related protests but for the restoration of democracy.
He also pointed out that Wasim’s name was previously removed from school textbooks.
He further criticized the National Citizen Party (NCP), saying: “Even during their inaugural event, the NCP failed to mention Shaheed Wasim Akram’s name—despite claiming to honour all martyrs and participants of the movement. Their behaviour also reflects political disregard.”
Nasir further wrote: “Democratic student leaders are being depoliticized today. Fighters like Wasim Akram are being erased from history.”
Still, he noted that the Chhatra Dal remains undeterred by the omission, saying: “Shaheed Wasim Akram wrote history with his own blood. He will live on in the democratic consciousness of the people.”
Sources within Chhatra Dal indicate that the organization may soon announce a program in memory of martyr Wasim Akram.
