Dhaka: Bangladesh will observe July Mass Uprising Day on Wednesday with nationwide programmes to commemorate the student-led mass uprising that culminated in the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The day will be marked with state ceremonies, political programmes, and tributes to those who were killed and injured during the uprising.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the government declared August 5 as July Mass Uprising Day on June 26, 2025. The day is recognized as a public holiday. An official notification mentions that a group including the minister, state minister, secretary, officials, and employees of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, along with people from various walks of life, will place wreaths at the July Martyrs’ Memorial at Shahbagh in Dhaka at 6:01 am. Later in the day, a reception will be held to honor the families of the July martyrs and the July fighters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital, with Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad attending as the chief guest.
Dhaka University plans to commemorate the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising with a series of programmes, including the foundation-laying of a July Memorial and a dedicated July Corner in the university’s Central Library. A discussion on the uprising will occur at the TSC, where five families of the July martyrs will be honored. A prayer session will be held after Asr prayers at the Central Mosque, seeking eternal peace for the martyrs.
Meanwhile, acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued separate messages on the occasion. Hafiz Uddin conveyed his greetings and congratulations to the July warriors and all patriotic citizens, emphasizing the importance of remembering their sacrifices. He called for upholding the dignity of the martyrs and building a humane Bangladesh free from fascism and authoritarian rule.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman described August 5 as a significant day for freedom and democracy. He acknowledged the oppression faced by those fighting against fascism and highlighted the sacrifices made by many, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The Prime Minister urged everyone to repay the debt owed to the martyrs by building a just and democratic nation.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has implemented extensive security measures to ensure public safety during the observance of July Mass Uprising Day. Measures include increased police patrols, stricter search operations at entry points to Dhaka, and deployment of personnel from the Detective Branch and Counter Terrorism units. Special operations by SWAT and other units will be conducted at venues expecting large public gatherings. The DMP emphasized maintaining surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones, while Quick Response Teams will be on standby.
Senior police officials will oversee the security arrangements, ensuring the smooth observance of the day’s events, according to the DMP statement.