Nation remembers July Uprising, renews pledge to uphold democratic ideals
From Ganabhaban to district headquarters across the country, commemorative events honoured the victims of the July uprising while political leaders pledged to safeguard its democratic legacy.
Bangladesh today (5 August) observed July Mass Uprising Day with nationwide tributes and commemorative programmes, renewing pledges to uphold the democratic aspirations of the 2024 student-led movement that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government.
The day's central event was the inauguration of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Established at the then official residence of the ousted prime minister, the museum preserves artefacts, photographs, official documents, video footage, and other memorabilia from the July-August 2024 uprising.
A documentary on the movement was screened at the ceremony, attended by former chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Tarique's daughter Zaima Rahman, and other dignitaries.
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Observed under the theme, "Building the Nation in the Spirit of July, Bangladesh First", the anniversary featured wreath-laying ceremonies, rallies, discussions, cultural programmes, special prayers and receptions for the families of martyrs and injured July fighters across the country.
Leaders renew pledge to uphold July ideals
In separate messages, acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and the PM paid tribute to those killed and injured in the uprising and called for safeguarding its ideals.
The acting president described the uprising as the culmination of years of public anger over repression, corruption and discrimination, urging the nation to build a democratic, accountable and discrimination-free Bangladesh where "fascism, autocracy and extremism" never return.
The prime minister called 5 August "a day of joy, victory and the restoration of democratic political rights", saying the movement ended more than one and a half decades of authoritarian rule.
He said thousands were killed, and at least 30,000 were injured during the uprising and pledged to honour their sacrifices by building a just, self-reliant, democratic and humane Bangladesh founded on equality, human dignity and social justice.
Nation remembers July martyrs
July Mass Uprising Day was observed across the country today with wreath-laying ceremonies, rallies, discussions and tributes to those killed and injured during the 2024 movement.
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs hosted a reception for the families of the July martyrs and injured July fighters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
Acting president Hafiz Uddin Ahmed attended as chief guest, while Minister Ahmed Azam Khan presided after paying tribute at the July Martyrs' Memorial in Shahbagh.
State Minister Ishraque Hossain said the sacrifices of the martyrs would inspire future generations, while representatives of martyrs' families and July fighters also spoke.
The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists held a rally demanding speedy justice for those responsible for the killings, rehabilitation of the injured and safeguards against future abuse of state power. The Ziaur Rahman Foundation also paid tribute to the martyrs.
The Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat arranged a children's drawing competition titled "July '24 Through Colours and Brushes," while Dhaka University laid the foundation stone of the July Memorial on its campus.
Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology organised commemorative programmes, and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi visited a photo exhibition on the July Mass Uprising in Gulshan.
Special articles, supplements and discussion programmes were published and broadcast by newspapers, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private media outlets.
Religious institutions held prayers, government buildings and memorials were decorated, museums and children's recreational facilities offered free entry, a commemorative postage stamp was issued, and special meals were served at hospitals, prisons and welfare institutions.
A discussion was held at the Rajshahi District Shilpakala Academy auditorium here this morning to mark July Mass Uprising Day 2026.
Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu attended the programme as the chief guest. Paying deep tribute to the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising, he called upon everyone to work together to build a democratic Bangladesh inspired by their spirit of sacrifice.
Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator and Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Md Mahfuzur Rahman Riton attended the programme as the special guest.
Despite light rain, people from all walks of life joined commemorations in districts including Dinajpur, Khulna, Barishal, Jhalakathi, Narail, Cumilla, Mymensingh, Jhenaidah, Kushtia, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bogura, Jamalpur, Manikganj and dozens of others.
Government officials, political leaders, teachers, students, freedom fighters, July fighters and families of the martyrs paid homage at memorials, while local administrations organised discussions, receptions and special prayers, reaffirming the ideals of democracy, justice and national unity embodied in the July Uprising.
