The spirit of July lives on

Bangladesh observed July Mass Uprising Day 2026 across the country yesterday, marking two years since the student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government.

The day was observed under the theme “Building the Nation in the Spirit of July, Bangladesh First”, with wreath-laying ceremonies, rallies, discussions, cultural programmes, special prayers and receptions for the families of those martyred and injured in the uprising.

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Government institutions, political parties, educational establishments and socio-cultural groups organised events across the country to commemorate the martyrs of the movement.

Speaking at a discussion and reception for the families of July martyrs at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon called on people to work together to build an equitable, accountable and humane state inspired by the spirit of the July uprising.

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He also urged people to instil the ideals of the historic movement in every citizen and called for unity and vigilance so that the sacrifices made during the movement were not undermined.

At a separate programme in Sylhet, Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir urged people to remain patient as the government worked to stabilise the country’s energy sector, which he said had been left reeling after 17 years of mismanagement.

BNP leaders also observed the day through various programmes.

Speaking after visiting a photo exhibition in Gulshan on the July uprising and political movements over the past 17 years, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi described ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina as the “worst and most despicable fascist in history”.

Rizvi also alleged that the former AL government was marked by authoritarian rule, corruption, bank fraud, stock market irregularities and the looting of state property, and that it remained in power through force and electoral manipulation.

At a rally organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at Jatiya Press Club, journalist leaders demanded speedy justice for those responsible for the killings during the July uprising, rehabilitation of the injured and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators to prevent any future misuse of state power.

The Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat organised a children’s drawing competition, while Dhaka University laid the foundation stone of the July Memorial on its campus.

The Ziaur Rahman Foundation also 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, public and religious institutions observed the day through various programmes, including special prayers for the martyrs and the decoration of government buildings and public spaces with national flags and banners.

Museums and children’s recreational facilities offered free entry, while hospitals, prisons and welfare institutions served special meals to mark the occasion.

Similar commemorative events were held across the country.

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