Today marks July Uprising Day, commemorating the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime and the victory of students and the people.
On this day in 2024, after ruling for 15 and a half years, Hasina fled to India to escape mounting public outrage over the deaths of hundreds of students and citizens during the quota reform movement.
Defying an indefinite nationwide curfew, tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets to demand her resignation. The climax came when demonstrators stormed Gonobhaban, the prime minister’s official residence, forcing Hasina to flee and signalling the collapse of her regime.
To mark the first anniversary, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to read out the July Proclamation at 5:00pm from the South Plaza of the Parliament complex, according to the CA’s press wing.
On the eve of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and CA Yunus issued messages reflecting on the significance of the uprising.
In his message, the president emphasised the need to root out fascist legacies and fully realise the spirit of July to build a prosperous Bangladesh.
“The July Uprising was an outburst of the youth and the masses against longstanding deprivation, misrule, corruption, enforced disappearances, killings, the denial of voting rights, and all forms of oppression,” he said.
He noted that the uprising aimed to dismantle the discriminatory system, restore democracy, and ensure freedom of expression.
Yunus described 5 August as an unforgettable day in Bangladesh’s history.
“It was on this very day, one year ago, that the July Uprising reached its triumph, liberating our nation from long-standing fascist rule,” he said.
He stressed that the movement rekindled public hope for a just, equal, and corruption-free country.
“The sacrifice of thousands has given us a rare opportunity for national reform, and we must protect it at any cost,” he stated.
Paying tribute to the fallen, Yunus added, “My profound respect goes to every martyr of the uprising. I remember with deep gratitude all the July warriors who were injured, permanently disabled, or lost their eyesight. The nation shall forever honour their sacrifice.”
At its core, he said, the movement was a fight to return power to the people and build a system free from discrimination and tyranny.
“The interim government is committed to restoring state power to the people through a peaceful, fair, and transparent election as part of a sustainable political solution.”
To mark the day, political parties have launched extensive programmes nationwide. The BNP has announced a two-day observance, including victory rallies in all thanas and upazilas on 5 August, and in all districts and metropolitan cities on 6 August.
A grand rally is also planned for Wednesday in front of the BNP’s central office in Nayapaltan, Dhaka.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami will organise processions across the country on Tuesday to commemorate the day.