Desk Report:
As part of observing July Uprising Day 2026 with due dignity and deep respect, Bangladesh Tourism Corporation organized a discussion and honoring ceremony for the family members of the martyred fighters and injured July fighters in the July Uprising.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, was present as the chief guest at the ceremony held at the Tourism Building in Agargaon today, Tuesday (August 10, 2026). State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, Mr. M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP; Honorable State Minister for Planning, Mr. Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, MP; and Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ms. Fahmida Akhtar, ndc. The program was presided over by the Chairman of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, Mr. Md. Samimuzzaman.
The chief guest and special guests of the program presented prize bonds and honor crests to the family members of the martyred July fighters and the injured July fighters on behalf of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. An emotional and dignified atmosphere was created at the program.
In the speech of the chief guest, Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Afroza Khanam, MP, said that the martyred and injured fighters of the July Uprising are brave partners in a unique chapter of our national history. Their sacrifice should not only be commemorated formally; we should build a humane, non-discriminatory and dignified Bangladesh by embracing their dreams, hopes and aspirations. It is our moral and state responsibility to respect the families of the martyrs and stand by the injured fighters.
The minister said that only a mother who has lost a child and a father who has carried the body of a child on his shoulders know the pain of losing a child. It is because of your contribution that we are standing here and speaking. Our July warriors have saved the country from the misrule of the fascists.
He also said that the tourism sector of Bangladesh can play an important role in the country’s economic potential, employment generation and development of national unity and cultural harmony. He emphasized on making the tourism sector more inclusive, people-friendly, safe, sustainable and of international standards by capturing the spirit of the July Uprising.
The Minister said that to make July 36 memorable, a 36 percent discount will be given to the July warriors in the hotels of the Tourism Corporation. Good arrangements will be made for their employment. Arrangements will be made to provide special discounts on Biman Bangladesh Airlines tickets.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mr. M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP said,
I was involved from the beginning of the July Movement. Towards the end of the movement, the previous government imprisoned senior leaders of BNP including me to eliminate the leadership. I was released on July 37. If we had not won the movement, we would not be in this position today.
He also said, our Prime Minister Tarique Rahman formed a cell during the movement called BNP family. I myself am a proud member of that cell. We got an independent country in the liberation war of 1971, we got our sovereignty back in the movement of 24. Therefore, I pay my respects and gratitude to the fighters of 24. The sacrifice of July reminds us that the real progress of a country cannot be measured only in infrastructure or economic indicators; ensuring human dignity, rights, justice and equal opportunities is the main goal of development. Free entry will be provided to July fighters in our tourist spots. Moreover, initiatives will be taken to provide jobs to July fighters in organizations under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.
Honorable State Minister of Planning, Mr. Md. Jonayed Abdur Rahim Saki, MP said, the sacrifices of the July Uprising have placed before us the historic responsibility of building a new Bangladesh. People’s expectations, non-discriminatory opportunities and social justice must be given utmost importance in development planning. We must make our development more inclusive and public welfare-oriented by embracing the spirit of July. The current government is busy implementing the aspirations of July, not in a race to take the achievements of July. We all have to fulfill our responsibilities from our respective positions.
In his speech as the president, Mr. Md. Samimuzzaman, Chairman of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, said, honoring the July martyrs and injured warriors is not just a formal program for Bangladesh Tourism Corporation; it is an expression of our gratitude, responsibility and national spirit. Bangladesh Tourism Corporation will work to build a tourism industry that will create employment alongside the country’s economic progress, utilize the potential of the youth, involve the local community and showcase the history, culture and natural beauty of Bangladesh to the world with dignity. The sacrifice of July will strengthen us in fulfilling that responsibility.
Family members of five martyred July fighters and five injured July fighters were present at the event. In addition, high-level officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, officials of various ministries, departments and organizations, officials and employees of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation, representatives of private tourism-related stakeholder organizations, journalists from various media outlets and invited guests were present.
