Nation Observes July Mass Uprising Day as PM to Inaugurate Ganobhaban Museum

Nation to observe July Mass Uprising Day with nationwide programmes; PM to inaugurate Ganobhaban museum

The nation will observe July Mass Uprising Day today with extensive programmes across the country under the theme "Building the Nation with the Spirit of July, Bangladesh First" (July Chetonai Gorbo Desh, Sobar Age Bangladesh), paying tribute to the sacrifices and aspirations of the historic 2024 movement.

The government has arranged a series of commemorative events, including wreath-laying ceremonies, receptions for the families of martyrs and injured fighters, discussions, photo exhibitions, special broadcasts, and educational programmes across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at 9am by unveiling its plaque.

The museum has been established at the former Ganobhaban, once the official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The site has been preserved as a memorial to the events that culminated in the fall of her government on 5 August 2024, following a 36-day student-led mass movement that began on 1 July.

After the inauguration, the Prime Minister will tour the museum, viewing preserved artefacts, photographs, documents and memorabilia related to the uprising.

The museum will remain open exclusively for special guests and the families of martyrs today before opening to the public tomorrow. Online entry tickets have been fixed at Tk50 for adults and Tk25 for children.

According to the United Nations, up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands more injured between July and August 2024 during the government's crackdown on student-led protests demanding the abolition of the public job quota system.

To mark the second anniversary of the violence, ministers, political leaders, activists and citizens gathered at the July Martyrs' Memorial at Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection at 6:01am to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

At 11am, the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs will host a reception and discussion at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in Dhaka. The event, chaired by Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, will be attended by Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram as chief guest, alongside Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain. Family members of martyrs and surviving fighters are expected to share their experiences and highlight their ongoing concerns.

Special messages from the President and the Prime Minister have been issued, while national newspapers have published commemorative supplements.

In his message, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged the nation to preserve the unity forged during the July Mass Uprising and reaffirmed his commitment to building a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh through the political and economic empowerment of its people.

Reflecting on the anti-fascist movement, he said the BNP, other opposition parties and people from all walks of life endured enforced disappearances, killings, abductions, torture, false cases and repression in their struggle to restore democracy and voting rights.

He also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, describing her as an uncompromising leader who, he said, spent years in prison on politically motivated charges while leading the democratic movement.

Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels are broadcasting special programmes throughout the day.

Similar observances are being held across all 64 districts, upazilas, city corporations and municipalities. Receptions for martyrs' families, documentary screenings, photo exhibitions and special prayers at places of worship are among the day's activities.

Government and private recreation centres, including the National Museum, Military Museum and Science Museum, are open to children free of charge today. Special meals are also being served in government hospitals, prisons and care homes.

On 26 June 2025, the Prof Mohammad Yunus-led interim administration declared 5 August a Category "Ka" public holiday, officially designating it as July Mass Uprising Day.