Tarique announces August 5 will be observed as a public holiday every year for the people

Tarique: August 5 to Be Celebrated as Public Holiday Marking ‘Mass Uprising Day’

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday declared that August 5 will be observed annually as a public holiday, commemorated as ‘Mass Uprising Day’ in honour of what he described as the fall of fascist rule in Bangladesh.

"Exactly one year ago today, on August 5, 2024, the fascist Hasina regime collapsed as she fled the country. The nation was freed from the clutches of tyranny. For the democracy-loving people of Bangladesh, this day represents triumph and liberation. The interim government has recognised it as ‘July Mass Uprising Day’. From now on, the people will enjoy this day every year as a national holiday,” Tarique said in a video message posted on Facebook.

Marking the first anniversary of the mass uprising, he recounted the previous regime’s repressive rule, alleging that a fugitive autocrat had unleashed a reign of terror marked by enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, false cases, and systematic oppression.

He said the resistance against this tyranny spanned over fifteen years and inflicted deep suffering on pro-democracy activists. “Thousands of BNP leaders and activists, along with members of other opposition parties, were subjected to unimaginable torment. Millions had to flee their homes due to countless false cases, and many lost their family bonds in the process.”

Tarique also spoke of the infamous secret detention centres like ‘Aynaghar’, where dissidents were kept in isolation for years. “Some, like former MP Ilias Ali and commissioner Chowdhury Alam, are still missing,” he said.

He blamed the former Awami League government for dismantling national institutions including the judiciary and the Election Commission, engineering electoral fraud, and undermining the constitution. He further alleged that the regime looted the financial sector and siphoned off nearly Tk 28 lakh crore abroad, leaving the economy in ruins.

Praising the bravery of the people during the July–August 2024 uprising, Tarique said, “People from every corner of society—students, workers, farmers, journalists, women, and even mothers—rose up in defence of democracy. The regime responded with gunfire from helicopters. Many children and youths were killed.”

He claimed that over 1,500 people were killed, 30,000 injured, and hundreds left permanently disabled or blind during the uprising.

Honouring their sacrifices, he said, “These martyrs have united the country against fascism. Never again will Bangladesh tolerate dictatorship. Democracy will be preserved, and no force will be allowed to turn this nation into a client state.”

Tarique ended his message by urging political unity: “Parties may differ in ideology or policy—that is the essence of democracy. But those differences must not pave the way for the return of authoritarianism or extremism.”