Government to declare ‘July Proclamation’ on Aug 5 amid daylong festivities

The “July Proclamation” is set to be unveiled at Dhaka’s Manik Mia Avenue on the afternoon of Aug 5, marking the fall of the 15-and-a-half-year-long rule of the Awami League government.

The proclamation will be read out at 5pm on that day, according to a post on the chief advisor’s Facebook page made on Sunday.

The post reads, “July 36 -- on this day last year, the world witnessed an unprecedented mass uprising. As a result, the ‘fascist’ ruler fled from Bangladesh.

“The entire nation was united through the blood of many martyrs and the sacrifices of the warriors. The streets overflowed with jubilant crowds.

“One year later, July 36 has returned. On this day, the much-anticipated ‘July Proclamation’ of the nation will be announced.”

The Manik Mia Avenue will host events throughout the day, including musical performances by multiple groups from 11am, a celebration of the fascist’s escape at 2:25pm followed by more music, proclamation announcement at 5pm, a special drone drama from 7:30pm, and a concert at 8pm.

These festivities will be jointly organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Shilpakala Academy, and the Parliament Secretariat.

Last July, protests erupted over the quota reform movement, which led to widespread violence and clashes that claimed several hundred lives.

As people from all walks of life joined in, the 36-day uprising culminated in the fall of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina.

During the mass movement, she reportedly fled the country by helicopter to India, where she is still believed to be residing.