CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY : Chittagong University (CU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) early today organized a choral programme titled "Shomobeto Konthe Julayer Gaan" to pay tribute to the martyrs and commemorate sacrifices of students and the public during the July Mass Uprising.

The programme was held at the university's Shaheed Minar around 2:00 am during the halftime break of the Argentina-England FIFA World Cup semifinal.

Thousands of students and general public gathered at the venue, where participants lit candles before joining in the chorus. Organizers said that more than 10,000 people took part in the event.

CU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan attended the programme as the chief guest. 

CU Student Affairs Adviser Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, Proctor Prof. Dr. Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy, CU JCD President Alauddin Mohsin, General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman and other university and student leaders were also present.

Addressing the gathering, the VC said the programme was dedicated to remembering the martyrs of July and expressing solidarity with those injured during the mass uprising.

"Today, Chittagong University students have paid tribute to them through revolutionary songs. These songs have once again awakened and strengthened our collective conscience," he said.

Speaking at the event, CU JCD General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said July is a month of remembrance and resistance.

"Today is July Martyrs' Day. Through this unique programme, we honour the sacrifice, courage and struggle of the students and the people. Let us raise our voices together in memory of their sacrifices and spread the message of unity," he said.
 
July 16 is observed as July Martyrs' Day in remembrance of those killed during July mass uprising. On this day, Abu Sayeed, Wasim Akram, Faisal Ahmed Shanto, Md. Faruk, Md. Shahjahan and Sabuj Ali were among the first victims killed in shootings during the movement.

The government officially declared July 16 as July Martyrs' Day through a Cabinet Division gazette notification issued on July 2 last year.