Adviser Asif Mahmud inaugurates newly named landmarks honoring Mehedi Hasan Junayed and Shahariar Khan Anas, pledges justice and reform

In a solemn tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising, two newly named public landmarks—‘Shaheed Shahariar Khan Anas Road’ and ‘Shaheed Mehedi Hasan Junayed Square’—have been officially inaugurated in Dhaka’s Gendaria area near Dhupkhola field. The naming honors the memory of two young men who lost their lives during the protest on August 5, 2024.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday afternoon and was led by Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. During the event, he unveiled the plaques for both the road and the square.

Recalling the harrowing events of the morning of August 5, 2024, the adviser shared his personal connection to the incident. He stated that he was present near the site in Chankharpul where Anas and Junayed were killed by gunfire while attempting to advance toward the Central Shaheed Minar. Despite breaking police and APBn barricades, many demonstrators were gunned down during the procession. He emphasized that the sacrifices of these martyrs would not be in vain and reaffirmed a collective commitment to building a new Bangladesh inspired by their courage and patriotism.

Speaking as the chief guest, the adviser further stressed the need to ensure that no more lives are lost in the fight against fascism. He criticized the misuse of state forces funded by public money and called for accountability and structural reform in the institutions responsible for such violence. According to him, justice for the July massacre must be ensured through exemplary legal action, and long-term institutional reforms must be enacted to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

He expressed hope that the fight for justice and democratic reform would be successful through the unified efforts of people across the country.

The event also featured emotional addresses by the family members of the martyrs. The mother of Shaheed Anas and the father of Shaheed Junayed spoke about their loss and demanded the immediate implementation of the “July Charter” and its accompanying declaration. They also called upon the interim government to take responsibility for preserving the graves and memories of all those who lost their lives in the uprising.

The ceremony was presided over by Md. Shahjahan Mia, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Among the special guests present were Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; Mohammad Tazul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal; and Md. Rezaul Maksud Zahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Division.

Officials from the Local Government Division and DSCC, along with other relevant stakeholders, were also in attendance, marking a significant step in honoring the memory of the July martyrs and renewing the national commitment to democratic reform.