Bangladesh on Thursday commemorated the 2026 July Martyrs’ Day in Abuja, reaffirming commitments to democracy, justice and stronger Nigeria-Bangladesh cooperation while honoring victims of the 2024 July uprising and their sacrifices.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miah Kabir, hosted diplomats, government officials, academics and members of the Bangladeshi community at the High Commission in Abuja for the commemorative event and observance.
NAN reports that July Martyrs’ Day is officially observed in Bangladesh on July 16 to commemorate students and citizens killed during the 2024 mass uprising and honor those who led it.
The observance featured prayers, a minute’s silence, documentary screenings and goodwill messages honoring those who lost their lives during the 2024 student-led uprising and struggle for democratic reforms.
Representing the Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the institute’s Deputy Director, Dr Patrick Okoro, described the occasion as reaffirming justice and peace.
Ochogwu said Bangladesh’s experience demonstrated that sustainable peace depended on justice, inclusive governance, rule of law and meaningful youth participation in nation-building and long-term national development efforts.
He said Nigeria and Bangladesh shared aspirations for peace, democratic governance, sustainable development and prosperity, calling for stronger international cooperation in addressing common global challenges confronting nations.
Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), Aisha Augie, said violence left lasting scars and underscored the importance of ensuring young people felt heard always.
Augie said storytelling remained a powerful tool for promoting peace, unity and development, adding that learning Bangladesh’s history reinforced shared values and strengthened understanding between both nations.
Delivering the keynote address, Kabir said July Martyrs’ Day honored at least six people who sacrificed their lives pursuing justice, democracy, equality and dignity during the 2024 mass uprising.
The high commissioner explained that the protests began over public service quota reforms before evolving into a nationwide movement following the killing of student leader Abu Sayed during demonstrations.
He said Bangladesh remained committed to preserving the legacy of the martyrs while strengthening democracy, justice, human rights, national unity and cooperation with Nigeria in trade, culture and youth development.
Representing Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the ministry’s Chief of Protocol, Amb. Babagana Wakil, conveyed Nigeria’s solidarity with Bangladesh and lauded enduring bilateral relations between both countries.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria looked forward to expanding bilateral cooperation and supporting Bangladesh’s growing role in multilateral affairs while expressing condolences to families of the July martyrs and victims.
The event concluded with renewed commitments by both countries to deepen diplomatic relations, promote peace and strengthen collaboration across culture, commerce, governance and youth engagement for mutual development.(NAN).
