Mohammad Saiful Islam, Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division (EMRD), paid deep respect to the martyrs of the July Uprising, calling their sacrifice one of the nation’s highest honors.
“The July Revolution stands as proof that good people still exist in Bangladesh, that our country is not yet lost,” he said. “It shows our people still hold a deep love for the nation and aspire to secure Bangladesh’s rightful place on the global stage. This movement is a milestone.”
He made these remarks while addressing a discussion and prayer session held in memory of the July martyrs as part of the ‘July Reawakening 2025’ observance, organized by the Energy and Mineral Resources Division at Dr. Habibur Rahman Auditorium in Petrobangla Bhaban.
Referring to the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of students and teachers of Milestone College, Secretary Islam especially highlighted the rare sacrifice of the teachers. “Their actions reflect a deep love for the country, for the nation, and for society. Such sacrifices inspire us all,” he said.
Recalling one of the July fighters, Arif, the Secretary shared: “He wrote a letter to his mother before joining the movement, saying he might not return, but hoped his country would. That shows the July Uprising was deeply rooted in patriotism.”
He added, “Corruption and the July movement are diametrically opposed. From these events, we understand that good people still outnumber the bad. We cannot let a handful of wrongdoers destroy our nation. It is our duty to identify and take action against them so they can no longer harm the country.”
Speaking as special guest, Md. Amin Ul Ahsan, Chairman (Secretary) of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), stressed the importance of accountability in public service. “Each of us has responsibilities. If we fulfill them honestly, there will be no deprivation or inequality. As government officials, we must remember—no one, not even a Chief Justice, is above accountability.”
The event was attended by senior officials from the Energy and Mineral Resources Division and its affiliated offices, family members of the July martyrs, injured freedom fighters of the movement, and members of the press.
The program began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Petrobangla Imam Qari Maulana Md. Abdul Hai, followed by a series of speeches on the significance of the July Uprising.
Injured July fighter Hossain Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the Division for organizing the event and inviting him. Recalling the events of August 5 near Jatrabari Police Station, he said, “A police officer shot me point-blank, thinking I was dead. My hand was severed. Later, my brothers rescued me and took me to the hospital.”
Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, father of martyred Faiyaz, said, “My son was about to leave for abroad. He had no reason to seek a government job. Yet he joined the movement to protest against injustice, corruption, and discrimination. He was killed on July 18 near Dhanmondi 27.” Holding back emotion, he added, “For a father, nothing is heavier than the body of his child. These events tear at the heart, but I feel honored that my son’s sacrifice is recognized.”
At the end of the program, families of the martyrs and injured fighters were honored. The Energy Division handed over cheques of Tk 1 lakh each to 16 martyr families and one injured fighter, amounting to Tk 17 lakh in total.
Mohammad Rezanur Rahman, Chairman of Petrobangla, who presided over the event, expressed gratitude to all attendees and extended special thanks to the martyr families. He called on everyone to uphold the spirit of the July movement and contribute to nation-building.
The program concluded with a special prayer and munajat led by Maulana Gazi Sanaullah, seeking divine mercy for the souls of those who sacrificed their lives in the July Uprising.