Foundation stone of Abu Sayeed Gate, Museum, Monument laid at BRUR

The foundation stones of Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate and Museum and Shaheed Abu Sayeed Memorial Monument were laid at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) on Wednesday, report agencies.

Two advisers of the interim government, along with Abu Sayeed's father Md Mokbul Hossain, inaugurated these installations to immortalize Abu Sayeed, who was killed in police firing on July 16, 2024, in the anti-discrimination student movement.

The advisers are Professor Dr Asif Nazrul, Adviser to Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Fayez, its Member Professor Dr Tanzimuddin Khan, and Senior Secretary to Ministry of Education Siddique Jobayer were also present at the function.

BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali presided over the function, also attended by deans of all six faculties and Proctor Dr Md Ferdous Rahman, and Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, among others.

The installations are being constructed at BRUR to mark the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the anti-discrimination movement, and to commemorate 'July Martyrs' Day 2025' in honour of his sacrifice.

Meanwhile, the trial in the murder of Abu Sayed would be held and his father would live to witness it, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul. He also assured that justice for the July killings would be ensured during the tenure of the interim government. The law adviser said these while talking to reporters after attending the programme.

Adviser Rizwana said, "The ideals for which Abu Sayeed and his fellow fighters laid down their lives should not only be remembered but embraced as daily inspiration. Let our youth be guided by values of humanity, courage and justice in their service to the nation."

"Abu Sayeed stood with courage in the face of fear. His death marked the beginning of a revolution-reminding us that true change demands not only protest but sustained social resistance."

The government is moving forward with the implementation of a Tk 120 billion mega project for the management of the Teesta River and the final agreement for the project is expected to be concluded by December, she said.

She also stated that the government has decided to establish a full-fledged public hospital in Rangpur. Various initiatives, including the re-excavation of the Shyamasundari Canal, are already underway to resolve waterlogging in the region.

Earlier, the BRUR VC along with others offered prayer at the grave of Abu Sayed at Babanpur in Pirganj at around 7:30 am. A procession was brought out on the campus marking the mourning day.