July 11 declared as ‘First Day of Resistance’

In recognition of the courageous role played by students of Comilla University (CuU) during the quota reform movement, Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has declared July 11, 2024, as the “First Day of Resistance of the July Movement.”

He made the announcement on Friday (July 11) while addressing a memorial event titled “July 11: The First Day of Student-Public Resistance in the Mass Uprising” held at the CuU campus.

The event was presided over by CuU Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Haider Ali, with Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Masuda Kamal attending as a special guest.

In his speech, Asif Mahmud said, “On July 11, 2024, the students of Comilla University demonstrated a form of resistance that inspired courage and confidence among protesters across the country. Even before our central programs began in Shahbagh, we received reports of attacks on CuU students. But those attacks didn’t suppress us—they stirred even more people into action.”

He added, “That day, CuU students not only successfully implemented their blockade program but also kept the Dhaka-Chattogram highway blocked until 11 PM. This resistance injected new momentum into the national movement. In honor of your bravery, I am declaring July 11 as the ‘First Day of Resistance.’”

Asif Mahmud also praised the initiative to construct the “July Minar” at CuU, a monument to commemorate the movement. Furthermore, he announced plans to build a government-funded “Resistance Monument” at the site on the highway where students held their blockade.

As a token of appreciation for CuU’s significant role in the anti-quota movement, the Local Government Advisor also pledged to provide three buses to the university administration.

At the end of the event, he laid the foundation stone for the “July Minar,” dedicated to those injured and martyred during the July Uprising.