On July 16, 2024, Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University and a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, was killed in police gunfire in Rangpur. Footage of his death quickly spread across social media, triggering nationwide outrage and transforming the quota reform movement into a broader anti-government protest. On the same day, several more people were killed in clashes in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other parts of the country. In the following days, students, teachers, parents, and people from various walks of life joined the movement in solidarity.

To mark July Martyrs' Day, mourning processions, discussion meetings, memorial events, prayer gatherings, and cultural programs are being held across the country. The central observance is taking place at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, while law enforcement agencies have tightened security nationwide for the occasion.