In recognition of the pivotal role played by young people during the July Uprising, the National University has launched the `July Martyrs Memorial Scholarship`, aimed at supporting meritorious and underprivileged students across affiliated colleges and institutes in Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus formally handed over scholarship cheques to three selected students during a commemorative event held Tuesday at his office, marking the anniversary of the historic July Uprising.
The inaugural recipients are Habiba Akhter from Siddheshwari Girls College, SM Abu Taleb from Tejgaon Government College, and Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan from Dhaka Commerce College—all affiliated with the National University.
This one-time financial grant will be awarded annually to undergraduate and postgraduate students with special needs or from marginalized backgrounds. In its first year, a total of 2,040 students from 725 institutions will benefit from the scholarship.
Dr. Yunus praised the bravery and sacrifice of the students involved in the uprising, noting that 32 students from the National University were martyred during the movement.
He said the scholarship not only commemorates their legacy but also strengthens the collective commitment to rebuilding Bangladesh as a just, democratic, and inclusive nation.
Speaking at the event, Education Adviser CR Abrar emphasized that the July Uprising marked a turning point in the nation’s history.
"It transformed us from a population deprived of rights into citizens entitled to them," he said, adding that the responsibility now lies with the current government to reshape state institutions to prevent any future rise of authoritarianism.
He criticized the previous regime for suppressing civil liberties and running a system plagued by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the weakening of core democratic institutions.
“Even the student-led mass movement was violently repressed using state and partisan forces, resulting in grave human rights violations,” he added.
Abrar called for continued efforts to prosecute those responsible for these abuses and highlighted the crucial role of education in building a fair and equal society.
“We are committed to developing an education system where every child, regardless of background, can engage in the pursuit of knowledge, justice, and ethics,” he said.
He further stressed that the July Uprising was not just a political turning point but also the beginning of a new national vision, urging the youth to prepare for leadership roles on the global stage.
The cheque distribution ceremony was attended by National University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman, and Treasurer Professor Dr. ATM Zaforul Ajam.
