Teachers and students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), along with various student organisations held programmes on Monday to mark the fifth death anniversary of Abrar Fahad. Abrar, a student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at BUET, was brutally murdered at Sher-E-Bangla Hall by a group of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists on October 7, 2019, for criticising India's water aggression.
BUET Vice-Chancellor Prof. ABM Badruzzaman inaugurated the foundation stone of the 'Abrar Fahad Memorial' at the Sher-e-Bangla Hall premises in the morning. Prof. Badruzzaman said, "First of all, I apologise to Abrar Fahad's father and family. You entrusted us with Abrar, but we could not protect him. I pray to Allah that children like Abrar Fahad, who are unafraid to speak the truth and fight for the country, will be born in every home."
Additionally, BUET authorities hosted a memorial discussion in the evening at the university's auditorium. Teachers, students, and Abrar Fahad's father attended the discussion, sharing stories about Abrar.
A delegation from Inqilab Mancha, along with students and the public, visited Abrar's grave in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, at noon. Abrar's grandfather and uncle were present to pay their respects. Following the prayers, Inqilab Mancha called on all freedom-loving people to observe October 7 as 'National Anti-Aggression Day' to protect Bangladesh's sovereignty and independence.
Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi stated that the July uprising in 2024 marked the struggle against imperialism in Bangladesh, with Abrar as the symbol of the movement. "The journey towards a free and sovereign Bangladesh, which has begun at the cost of countless lives, draws its main inspiration from Martyr Abrar," Hadi said, calling on the government to officially declare October 7 as 'National Anti-Aggression Day.'
Meanwhile, the Dhaka University (DU) unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir held a morning discussion at its office. Shibir Central President Monzurul Islam, the chief guest, alongside DU President Md Abu Shadik, chaired the meeting. Monzur said Abrar Fahad was martyred by BCL activists for opposing hegemony and fascism. "The July Revolution's context was created through a series of events, and one of its heroes is Martyr Abrar Fahad," Monzur added.
Abu Shadik remarked, "Abrar Fahad is the symbol of our national unity. The Awami League targeted those who became threats to its hegemony. Those who stood to protect the country's sovereignty faced a cruel fate like death. When our former central president, Sirajul Islam, was brutally tortured, no one protested. This silence legitimised the torture and killing of Abrar Fahad by BCL. Thus, those who remained silent bear responsibility for Abrar's murder."
The DU unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) led a silent procession on campus in remembrance of Abrar in the evening. The procession, led by JCD DU President Ganesh Chandra Roy and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, began at the Central Shaheed Minar, passing through Curzon Hall, Doel Chattar, and other key locations. "Abrar Fahad was a patriotic student, brutally martyred by BCL terrorists. We have marched in silence to honour his memory, calling for a democratic campus that fosters free thought and student-friendly politics," Nahid said.
In a separate event, Abrar Fahad Smriti Sangsad reconstructed the 'Anti-Aggression Eight Pillars' at Palashi Intersection in the capital. The memorial's inauguration programme was attended by Jatiya Nagorik Committee Convener Nasiruddin Patwary, Member Secretary Akhter Hossain, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinators Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Abu Baker Majumdar, as well as students from BUET and DU.
Akhter Hossain, the convener of Abrar Fahad Smriti Sangsad, said, "Abrar's murder epitomises the violence that has plagued universities during the Awami League regime. Five years ago, we courageously protested the news of his death, forcing the government to arrest his killers. The trial is still ongoing, but we demand that all involved, including those still at large, be brought to justice. We also urge the government to officially recognise October 7 as National Anti-Aggression Day."
In observance of Abrar's death anniversary, the organisation Nirapod Bangladesh Chai held a solidarity rally in front of the National Museum in the capital. The rally, conducted by Jagannath University (JnU) student Mohammad Zakaria, was attended by leaders of various student political parties, social and cultural organisations, as well as Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators.
Nirapod Bangladesh Chai spokesperson Raihan Uddin commented, "When we think of the struggle against Indian aggression or fascism, the image of Abrar Fahad immediately comes to mind. BCL activists, backed by the Awami League, have instilled terror in educational institutions across the country. Many students have fallen victim to this fascism, including Abrar Fahad. The July Revolution marked the fall of these fascists. Today's rally emphasises that, although our political ideals may differ, we must unite to protect the sovereignty and integrity of our country and eliminate fascism."
