July Mass Uprising Day to be observed tomorrow

Bangladesh will observe "July Mass Uprising Day" tomorrow, marking two years since the fall of the Hasina-led government following the student-led mass uprising of August 5, 2024.

The government, political parties and socio-cultural organisations have announced a series of programmes to commemorate the day and pay tribute to those who lost their lives or were injured during the movement. The observance will include tributes, processions, cultural events and discussions highlighting the significance of the uprising.

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages marking the occasion.

In his message, the Acting President called for building a democratic, accountable, discrimination-free and justice-based Bangladesh in line with the aspirations and sacrifices of the martyrs and the injured of the July Mass Uprising.

He urged the nation to remain united in establishing a humane, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh inspired by the spirit of the movement, while paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during both the Liberation War and the July Mass Uprising.

The Acting President said the prolonged period of discrimination, repression and corruption eventually triggered a nationwide uprising after the killings of unarmed students and citizens during the quota reform movement. He described the movement as a reflection of the people's collective resistance against misrule and stressed that the sovereignty of the state ultimately rests with its people.

Remembering the martyrs, including Abu Sayed, Mugdha, Wasim, Yamin, Farhan, Nafiz, Taim, Naima, child Riya Gop and Ahad, he expressed gratitude for their sacrifices and sympathy for those permanently injured during the movement. He said their courage would remain a lasting source of inspiration for the nation.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described August 5 as a day of victory, freedom and the restoration of democratic rights. He said the student-led mass uprising brought an end to more than one and a half decades of what he described as fascist rule, forcing the government to leave power.

He said political parties, including the BNP, along with pro-democracy activists, had endured years of repression, enforced disappearances, killings, false cases and imprisonment during the previous administration. According to him, democratic institutions, including the judiciary and Election Commission, had become ineffective, while corruption and financial irregularities had become widespread.

The Prime Minister said people from all walks of life joined the July-August 2024 movement and that thousands were killed while at least 30,000 others were injured, with many suffering permanent disabilities.

He paid tribute to the martyrs and said Bangladesh has an enduring responsibility toward their families. He also called for building a just, democratic, self-reliant and humane Bangladesh based on equality, dignity and social justice.

As part of the day's programmes, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at 9:00am on August 5. Later at 11:00am, a reception for the families of the martyrs and July fighters, along with a discussion on the significance of the day, will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, where Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, is expected to attend as chief guest.

Newspapers will publish special articles and supplements, while Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television and radio stations will broadcast special programmes marking the occasion.

Educational institutions across the country will organise discussions, essay competitions, recitation and drawing contests, while Bangladesh missions abroad will also hold commemorative events.

Special prayers will be offered at religious institutions nationwide. Major roads and public spaces will be decorated with national flags, banners and festoons, while July memorials will be illuminated. A commemorative postage stamp will also be issued.

Government and private museums will remain open free of charge throughout the day. Recreational facilities will allow children free entry, while special meals will be served at government hospitals, prisons, children's homes, rehabilitation centres and shelters across the country.