Begum Rokeya University (BRU) in Rangpur will observe the first martyrdom anniversary of student Abu Sayed on Tuesday (16 July), marking the occasion as ‘July Shaheed Day’ with a series of commemorative programmes.
To ensure strict security during the three-day observance, the university has restricted campus access from 7 pm Sunday until 9 am Wednesday. According to a notice issued late Saturday, no outsiders will be allowed on the campus during this period to maintain discipline and safety.
Entry will be limited to students, faculty members, officials, and staff bearing valid BRU ID cards. For first-year students who have not yet received their IDs, department heads have been instructed to coordinate with the Proctor’s Office to issue temporary cards.
Proctor Ferdous Rahman said the decision to limit access was made to prevent any security breaches and to facilitate the dignified conduct of the national event. “This is a solemn national observance. Security is our highest priority,” he stated.
Additional police personnel have already been deployed across the campus to strengthen security ahead of the ceremony.
The university will host daylong events on July 16 in remembrance of Abu Sayed, who became the first martyr of last year’s anti-discrimination movement. His father, Mokbul Hossain, will attend the main commemoration event as the chief guest.
Four advisers to the government are expected to attend the programme: Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul, Education Adviser Prof Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, and Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-E-Azam.
Other prominent guests include University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SMA Faiz, Education Ministry Senior Secretary Siddique Zobair, and UGC Member Prof Tanzimuddin Khan.
BRU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Showkat Ali said the campus will also host 21 family members of other martyrs during the event. “Alongside the advisers and invited guests, it is essential that the campus remains secure and orderly throughout this significant programme,” he said.