State mourning to be observed on 'July Martyrs' Day' this Wednesday

State mourning will be observed on Wednesday, July 16, in observance of July Martyrs' Day. The interim government has declared this day in remembrance of Abu Sayeed, who was shot dead by police in Rangpur during last year’s July-August mass movement.

According to a notification issued on Tuesday (July 15) by the Cabinet Division, signed by Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, all government, semi-government, autonomous institutions, educational establishments, as well as all government and private buildings, and Bangladeshi missions abroad, will keep the national flag at half-mast in observance of the mourning.

Special prayers will be offered in mosques across the country for the forgiveness of the martyrs’ souls. Religious institutions of other faiths will also hold services for peace and remembrance.

On August 5 of last year, the government of Sheikh Hasina was overthrown following mass protests led by the anti-discrimination student movement. Three days later, the interim government, formed under the leadership of Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, officially declared the day as July People's Uprising Day, which will now be observed as a public holiday.