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Today, August 5 (Wednesday), marks the historic July Mass Uprising Day. On this day in 2024, the then Awami League government fell following continuous student-public protests. Simultaneously, its nearly 16-year rule came to an end, and then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country for India.
To commemorate the day, various programs are being observed across the country with state honors. The government has declared a general holiday today. In addition to national-level programs, various initiatives have been undertaken at district, sub-district, and Bangladesh missions abroad.
From Quota Movement to Mass Uprising
The journey of the July Mass Uprising began in July 2024 with student protests demanding quota reform in government jobs. Subsequently, the then government’s stringent stance to suppress the movement, law enforcement operations, shootings, casualties, mass arrests, and allegations of oppression transformed the protests into a nationwide student-public movement.
Students, teachers, laborers, professionals, and people from various walks of life participated in this movement. At one stage of the movement, amidst widespread violence and casualties, the government fell on August 5. According to analysts, this mass uprising was an expression of long-standing political discontent, accumulated public grievances concerning voting rights, good governance, and civil liberties.
Messages from the Acting President, Prime Minister, and Chief Adviser
On the occasion of the day, separate statements were issued by Acting President Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. They paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, prayed for the salvation of their souls, and extended greetings to the countrymen.
Meanwhile, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, also issued a special statement, paying tribute to the July martyrs and the injured, and urged the countrymen to remain united to uphold the spirit of the mass uprising. He stated that public unity is the greatest strength against injustice and discrimination.
Day-long Programs
As part of government programs, wreaths will be laid at July Martyr Memorials in all 64 districts. Special articles, literature, and supplements will be published in newspapers.
Today, at 9 AM, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the ‘July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum’. Following this, at 11 AM, a reception and discussion meeting for the July martyr families and July fighters will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital. Acting President Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom will attend as the chief guest.
Similar receptions and discussion meetings have also been organized in every district of the country.
Photo Exhibition, Special Programs
Rare photographs and documentaries of the July movement will be displayed at important locations in Dhaka and all other city corporations across the country on this day.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar (Radio), and various private television and radio channels will broadcast special programs. Discussion meetings, essay, recitation, and drawing competitions highlighting the significance of the July Mass Uprising have been organized in all educational institutions across the country. Discussion meetings will also be held at Bangladesh embassies abroad.
Special Prayers, Free Access to Museums and Entertainment Centers
On the occasion of the day, special prayers and supplications have been organized in mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and other religious institutions across the country.
Additionally, major roads, road islands, and July Martyr Memorials in Dhaka and across the country have been adorned with national flags, banners, festoons, and illuminations. Commemorative postage stamps will also be issued.
Government and private museums will be open to visitors free of charge throughout the day. Government and private entertainment centers will also be open free of charge for children.
Furthermore, special solidarity meals have been arranged in government hospitals, prisons, government child welfare homes, child rehabilitation centers, disabled welfare centers, child development centers, and shelters for the homeless.
