JU Correspondent: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir`s Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit organized the "July Uprising Run 2026" mini marathon on Monday, aiming to commemorate the spirit of the July Uprising and promote what organizers described as a commitment to preserving its legacy.

Held under the slogan "July Will Flow Through Our Veins Forever" and the theme "Run Against Fascism," the event began at 6:00 a.m. from the university`s Central Shaheed Minar. Around 1,500 participants, including students, teachers, university officials, staff, and students from Jahangirnagar University School and College, took part in the run.

The marathon was inaugurated by Nurul Islam Saddam, President of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. Faculty members, leaders of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students` Union (JAKSU), central and university-level Shibir leaders, and representatives of several student organizations were also present at the opening ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Nurul Islam Saddam said the aspirations of the July Uprising, including structural reforms in the state, had yet to be realized. He argued that key state institutions such as the judiciary, civil administration, and defense forces should function independently and that greater transparency and accountability were needed to curb corruption.

He further said that although political power had changed, the reforms envisioned during the uprising had not been implemented. Referring to the current government, he said it should honor the sacrifices made during the movement, warning that the country`s youth could once again mobilize if those expectations remained unmet. These remarks reflect his personal political views.

Speaking at the event, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, President of the JU unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, said the marathon was intended to preserve the memory of the July and August movements and to send a message against authoritarianism. He added that the organization would continue promoting the ideals of the July Uprising through similar programs and other activities in the future.

The marathon route started from the Central Shaheed Minar and passed through the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall, the university cafeteria, the women`s halls, and Chourangi before returning to the starting point.

Organizers said every registered participant received an event T-shirt, a running kit, a national flag, and breakfast after completing the run.

The event was one of several commemorative programs being held at universities across Bangladesh to mark the anniversary of the July Uprising, drawing significant participation from members of the university community.