KHULNA, July 19: Khulna University (KU) on Friday observed a series of solemn programmes marking the first martyrdom anniversary of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho, a former student of the Mathematics Discipline, who was shot dead during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Dhaka last year.
Mugdho was killed in Uttara's Azampur area on July 18 while distributing bottled water to fellow protesters, reportedly saying "Pani lagbe, pani" ("Need water?") when a police bullet struck him in the ear and head. He collapsed on the street and was rushed to a local hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.
His killing sparked renewed nationwide outrage and intensified the ongoing anti-fascist movement in the capital and beyond.
To honour Mugdho's sacrifice, KU observed "Shaheed Mir Mugdho Day" with day-long programmes that included memorial meetings, special prayers, and the inauguration of commemorative installations.
A memorial discussion titled "July Uprising and Tribute to Shaheed Mir Mugdho" was held at Liaquat Ali Auditorium at 5 pm. Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim attended it as chief guest. Pro-VC Professor Dr. Md. Harun-or-Rashid Khan and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Nurunnabi were present as special guests, while Director of Student Affairs Professor Dr. Md. Nazmus Sadat presided over the event. Professor Dr. Md. Azmal Huda, Head of the Mathematics Discipline, gave the welcome address.
Speakers described the July Uprising as a historic moment driven by a collective longing for justice and change. They said that Mir Mugdho's martyrdom, along with others, symbolises the youth's aspiration for a fair and inclusive Bangladesh. They stressed that it is the nation's duty to honour their sacrifice by fulfilling the promises of justice and democracy.
Mir Mugdho was remembered as a compassionate and committed young man who offered help to others even in the face of danger. His friends and fellow activists shared emotional tributes during the event. Zakirul Islam, a close friend, and Abdullah Shafil, a student of Northern University who lost his eyesight during the protests, recalled their memories and pain.
Student activists from Khulna including Minhazul Abedin Shompod, Al Shahriar, Ayman Ahad, Syed Md. Rumman, and Shamim, shared their experiences of the July Uprising.
The university syndicate has formally recognized July 18 as "Shaheed Mir Mugdho Day", and further initiatives have been planned to preserve his memory.
Earlier in the day, VC Dr. Rezaul Karim inaugurated two installations in the Mathematics Discipline: the Shaheed Mir Mugdho Memorial Corner and the Shaheed Mir Mugdho Water Corner, in the presence of teachers, students, officers, and employees.
Special prayers were held at the Central Jam-e-Mosque following Jummah prayers, seeking eternal peace for the soul of Shaheed Mir Mugdho and other martyrs. A similar prayer was held at the university temple, attended by members of the Hindu community.
Faculty members including Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan (School of Law), Professor Dr. Md. Yasin Ali (Agro-technology), Professor Dr. Md. Ashiqur Rahman (Urban and Rural Planning), and Assistant Professor Abul Bashar (History and Civilisation), as well as SM Mohammad Ali, General Secretary of the Officers' Welfare Association, were present at the commemoration.
