2nd anniv of July uprising observed with demands for justice

The second anniversary of the July uprising was observed across the country on Wednesday with commemorations, rallies, and public discussions, as political leaders, injured protesters, and families of the slain renewed calls for justice, accountability, and the full implementation of the movement’s founding ideals.

On this day in 2024, the autocratic Awami League regime, which had ruled the country for fifteen years, was ousted following a student-led popular uprising. 

Following its designation as an official national holiday, the anniversary was commemorated nationwide through a series of state and civic events, including tributes to the fallen, the inauguration of a memorial museum, reception ceremonies, and cultural performances.

Marking the occasion, Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad (Bir Bikrom) and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages to the nation.

Commemorative activities commenced early in the morning as floral wreaths were laid at July Martyrs’ Memorials across all 64 districts. At 9am, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman officially inaugurated the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganobhaban.

Later in the morning, a reception honouring the families of the martyrs and surviving movement fighters was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, followed by a discussion on the historical significance of the uprising. 

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad attended the event as the chief guest. Similar receptions and commemorative discussions were conducted at district and upazila levels throughout the country.

Key public spaces across Dhaka and other municipal corporations hosted exhibitions featuring rare photographs and documentary footage detailing the events of July 2024. 

State broadcasters Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, alongside private channels, aired special programming, while national dailies published commemorative supplements.

Educational institutions held discussion forums alongside essay-writing, poetry recitation, and painting competitions. Bangladeshi diplomatic missions abroad also hosted commemorative events, while special prayers were offered at places of worship nationwide.

To mark the day, state-run and autonomous museums, alongside public and private recreational facilities for children, were opened to the public free of charge. Special meals were distributed at government hospitals, correctional facilities, state-run children’s homes, disability welfare centres, and shelters.

Major political parties, including the BNP, NCP, and Jamaat-e-Islami, alongside socio-cultural organisations, hosted independent rallies, discussions, and cultural gatherings to honour the victims of the movement. 

In the capital, Manik Mia Avenue hosted a large-scale concert titled “Borsha Biplober Gaan” (Songs of the Monsoon Revolution), featuring performances by prominent bands such as Artcell and Shironamhin, alongside musical artistes Asif Akbar and Tashrif Khan.