Historic July Mass Uprising Day Observed Today

Today, Wednesday, August 5, marks the historic July Mass Uprising Day.

On this momentous day in 2024, the-then Awami League government collapsed in the face of a mass student-citizen movement and supreme sacrifices. 

This event marked the end of nearly 16 years of rule, and the ousted, fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasan fled the country to India.

The historic July mass uprising began in July 2024 through a student movement demanding reform of quotas in government jobs.

Following the-then Sheikh Hasina government's hardline stance to suppress the movement, law enforcement raids, gunfire, casualties, mass arrests, and allegations of repression, it rapidly transformed into a nationwide mass uprising of students and common people.

People from all walks of life—including students, teachers, workers, and professionals—participated in the movement.

To suppress the movement, the-then Sheikh Hasina government opened indiscriminate fire on students and citizens, with instances of shooting even from helicopters in various locations.

Amidst these events, widespread allegations of genocide became a major talking point both domestically and internationally, including by the United Nations. 

Following severe violence and numerous casualties across 36 days of sustained protests, the Sheikh Hasina government fell on August 5, 2024.

Many view this mass uprising as an expression of long-standing political discontent and accumulated anger over voting rights, good governance, and civil liberties.

Marking Historic July Mass Uprising Day, various programs are being observed nationwide today with state honors.

A general public holiday has been declared for the occasion, and the government has adopted various national programs.

Additionally, political, social, cultural, and professional organizations are organizing separate events.

Statements have been issued for the occasion by Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

In separate statements, they extended greetings to the brave fighters and patriotic citizens of July and prayed for the eternal peace of the souls of the martyrs of the mass uprising.

Furthermore, in a special statement issued for July Mass Uprising Day, former Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep respect for the martyrs and the injured, calling upon the people of the country to remain united to uphold the spirit of the uprising.

He stated that this movement proved public unity is the greatest force against injustice and discrimination.

According to government information, wreaths will be laid at July Martyrs' Memorials across all 64 districts of the country.

Newspapers are publishing special articles, literature, periodicals, and supplements to mark the day.

At 9:00 AM today, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the "July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum."

Afterward, at 11:00 AM, a reception for July martyr families and July fighters, along with a discussion meeting on the significance of the day, will be held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in the capital.

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikrom, will grace the event as the chief guest.

Similar receptions and discussion meetings are also being organized in all districts across the country.

To mark the day, rare photographs and documentaries of the July movement will be exhibited at various locations in Dhaka and all city corporations.

Additionally, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and various private television and radio stations are airing special programs.

Discussion meetings, essay, recitation, and drawing competitions highlighting the significance of the July mass uprising will be held in all educational institutions across the country.

Bangladesh embassies abroad have also organized discussion meetings.

Furthermore, special prayers and invocations will be held in various religious institutions across the country.

Major roads, road islands, and July memorials in Dhaka and across the country have been decorated with national flags, banners, festoons, and illumination.

Commemorative postage stamps are being published for the occasion. In addition, public and private museums will remain open to visitors free of charge all day long.

Public and private amusement parks will also be open free of charge for children.

Special feasts have been arranged in government hospitals, prisons, government children's families, child rehabilitation centers, disabled welfare centers, child development centers, and vagrant shelters across the country.