Dhaka city unit of the Students’ Federation of Bangladesh, the student wing of Ganosamhati Andolan, on Thursday observed the first anniversary of death of its former leader Julfikar Ahmed Shakil.
On August 7, 2024, at a city hospital Shakil succumbed to his bullet injuries he had sustained at a protest rally on August 4 during the student-led mass uprising which ousted the authoritarian Awami League regime on August 5, 2024.
He was seriously wounded on August 4 past year at the rally in the capital’s Mirpur when the activists of Awami League’s associate organisations, including Juba League and Chhatra League, now banned, attacked the rally.
Commemorating the life and work of Shakil, Students’ Federation general secretary Saikat Arif said, ‘The sacrifice of our martyrs for a discrimination-free society is a long struggle. Shakil was preparing himself for that struggle and sacrificed his life.’
‘Students’ Federation will continue the struggle of the martyrs,’ added Saikat.
Students’ Federation’s Dhaka city unit president Al Amin Rahman said, ‘Shakil in his early life understood that an individual cannot live happily alone. That is why he fought for the liberation of all.’
‘He wanted to establish justice and fought for equality, human dignity and social justice,’ said Al Amin, adding that the interim government, however, failed to realise the aspirations of July uprising.
The event featured commemorative speeches, the rendering of songs, recitation of poems and a photography exhibition.
Former and current leaders and activists of the student organisation were also present at the commemorative event.
Shakil was organising secretary of the Dhaka city unit of the student organisation.