BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday declared that August 5 will be observed as a public holiday every year, marking what he described as the fall of “fascist rule” and the beginning of a new democratic chapter in Bangladesh.
In a video message posted on social media, Tarique said the interim government has officially recognised the date as Mass Uprising Day, commemorating the events of July–August 2024 that led to the ousting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Exactly one year ago, on this day in 2024, fascist Hasina fled the country. The nation was freed from the grip of a monster,” Tarique said. “From now on, the people of Bangladesh will celebrate August 5 every year as a public holiday.”
He described the day as a symbol of resistance, unity, and sacrifice, highlighting the role of students, workers, farmers, women, and journalists during the mass uprising.
“This is a day of victory for democracy-loving people. It belongs to every citizen who stood up against dictatorship,” he said.
Tarique recounted the prolonged movement against what he termed a reign of terror, marked by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and mass repression. He claimed that thousands of opposition leaders and activists were forced into hiding, arrested in false cases, or killed, and that the state operated secret detention centres like Aynaghar to suppress dissent.
He also accused the former Awami League government of crippling the economy and looting public resources, saying that Tk28 lakh crore had been siphoned off abroad.
Paying tribute to the victims of the July–August 2024 protests, Tarique claimed more than 1,500 people were killed and 30,000 injured, with many suffering permanent disabilities. “The blood of those brave citizens has laid the foundation of this new era,” he said.
Tarique urged all political forces to remain united against any future authoritarian threats. “We may differ on ideology, but unity is essential to prevent dictatorship from returning. August 5 is a reminder of that,” he said.