File photo

DHAKA, Aug 5, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh today observed the July Mass Uprising Day-2026 across the country with due dignity under the theme, "Building the Nation in the Spirit of July, Bangladesh First," marking two years since the student-led mass uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

The day was marked by wreath-laying, discussions, rallies, cultural programmes, special prayers and receptions for the families of the July martyrs and injured, organised by the government, political parties and socio-cultural organisations.

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Bir Bikram, and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the movement and urging the nation to uphold the spirit of July.

A major highlight of the day was the inauguration of the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at Ganabhaban in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. 

Established at the former official residence of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the museum preserves artifacts, photographs, official documents, video footage and memorabilia related to the 2024 uprising. 

A documentary on the movement was screened during the ceremony. 

Barrister Zaima Rahman accompanied the Prime Minister, while former Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and other dignitaries attended.

The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs organised a reception for the families of the July martyrs and July fighters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. 

Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed attended as the chief guest, while Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan presided over the programme. 

Earlier in the day, the minister laid a wreath at the July Martyr Memorial in Shahbagh.

Addressing the programme, State Minister Ishraque Hossain said the sacrifices of the July martyrs and fighters would remain an enduring source of inspiration for future generations. 

Representatives of the martyrs' families and July fighters also spoke.

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised a rally at the National Press Club, demanding speedy justice for those responsible for the killings during the uprising, proper rehabilitation of the injured and measures to prevent future abuse of state power. 

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director & Chief Editor and former Jatiya Press Club President Kamal Uddin Shabuj, Press Information Department (PID) Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Md. Shahidul Islam, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Bashir, among others, joined the rally.

The Ziaur Rahman Foundation paid tribute to the martyrs, describing their sacrifices as a lasting symbol of the nation's struggle for democracy, justice and human rights.

Educational, cultural and public institutions also observed the day. 

The Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat arranged a children's drawing competition titled "July '24 Through Colours and Brushes," while Dhaka University laid the foundation stone of the July Memorial on its campus. 

Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BAUET) organised commemorative programmes, and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi visited a photo exhibition on the July Mass Uprising in Gulshan.

Special articles, supplements and discussion programmes were published and broadcast by newspapers, Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private media outlets. 

Educational institutions organised discussions, essay competitions, recitation and drawing contests, while Bangladesh missions abroad also marked the occasion. 

Religious institutions held special munajat and prayers for the martyrs, while government buildings, roads and memorials were decorated with national flags, banners and festive illumination.

A commemorative postage stamp was issued, museums offered free entry, children's recreational facilities remained open free of charge and special meals were served at hospitals, prisons, shelters and welfare institutions.

The observance extended nationwide. 

In Rajshahi, Jamalpur, Bogura, Dinajpur, Rangamati and Manikganj, district administrations organised wreath-laying ceremonies, discussions, receptions for martyrs' families and special prayers. 

Political leaders, lawmakers, local administrations, freedom fighters, representatives of July fighters and families of the martyrs joined the programmes, highlighting the importance of safeguarding democracy, justice and national unity.

Similar commemorative events were held in Naogaon, Netrakona, Sunamganj, Panchagarh, Kishoreganj, Patuakhali, Chuadanga, Pirojpur, Chandpur, Sirajganj, Khagrachhari, Sherpur, Nilphamari, Bhola, Chapai Nawabganj, Satkhira, Lakshmipur, Meherpur, Gopalganj, Natore, Narayanganj, Bandarban, Sylhet, Thakurgaon, Habiganj, Gazipur, Joypurhat, Barishal, Feni, Mymensingh, Magura, Narail, Noakhali, Rajbari, Munshiganj, Madaripur and Narsingdi, where people paid homage to the martyrs and reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals of the July Mass Uprising.