The government of Bangladesh has announced three new days for national observance.
Two dates in August, the 5th and 8th, will be observed as ‘July Uprising Day’ and ‘New Bangladesh Day,’ respectively, commemorating key events in the country’s recent history, according to various national news agencies.
Additionally, to honour the memory of Abu Sayed, the student activist of Begum Rokeya University who was martyred during the quota reform movement, the government has declared July 16 as ‘Shaheed Abu Sayed Day’.
August 8 marks the day when the interim government was formed following the overthrow of the previous government amid a mass uprising by students and the public.
The ‘July Uprising Day’ is listed under the ‘Ka’ category, which covers days of major national significance, often marked by official participation and possible government holidays.
Whereas, ‘New Bangladesh Day,’ and ‘Shaheed Abu Sayed Day’ are categorised under “Kha”, which is for days carrying weight in regards to national significance but do not necessarily imply a public holiday.
All concerned ministries, departments and organizations have been asked to properly implement it.
Meanwhile, a 36-member national committee was formed to oversee the observance of mass uprising days in July and August, marking the anniversary of last year’s student-led movement.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus will serve as the chairperson of the committee. The 36-day long programme will be celebrated from July 1 to August 5 to mark the anniversary of the July Uprising.
The Cabinet Division issued separate circulars on Wednesday confirming the decision.