Stage set for day-long celebrations to mark July Uprising anniversary

Dhaka's Manik Mia Avenue is gearing up for a host of events throughout the day to mark the first anniversary of the July Uprising.

On Tuesday morning, people gradually began arriving around the stage set up on the road adjacent to the National Parliament building.

Several digital screens have been installed around the venue.

Temporary control rooms for the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police have also been set up at the site amid a heavy presence of security personnel.

Fire Service vehicles are also on standby.

By around 11:15 am, people of various ages were seen streaming into the venue despite light rain.

Some were carrying national flags, others had tied them around their heads. Among them was Md Ahmedul Hasan, who had come from Mirpur with his sister and young nephew.

“On this day in 2024, the tyrant Sheikh Hasina fled the country. I came here last year as well. I’ve come again today to commemorate the occasion. Various events are set to take place here and I’ve come to enjoy them.”

Although a cultural programme was scheduled to start at 11:00 am, it had not begun by then. The lineup of artists includes Tong-er Gaan, Saimum Shilpigosthi, Kalarab Shilpigosthi, Nahid, and Tashfir.

Meanwhile, Chittagong Hip-Hop Hood, rapper Shezan, and the rock band Shunno are due to perform after a break for Zuhr prayers.

At 2:25 pm, a segment titled "Celebrating the Fall of Fascism" is planned, followed by performances from singer Farzana Wahid Shayan at 2:40 pm, Ethun Babu and Moushumi, along with the bands Souls and Warfaze.

Following the Asr prayer break, the July Proclamation will be unveiled at 5:00 pm.

In the evening, a special drone show is planned, and later at night, popular rock band Artcell is expected to perform.

The movement that began in July last year to demand the reform of the quota system in public service recruitment eventually evolved into a mass uprising against the Awami League regime.

On August 5, 2024, then prime minister Hasina fled to India, marking the end of the Awami League’s 15-year rule.

The uprising resulted in numerous casualties, with many left permanently disabled. In honour of their sacrifices, the interim government declared August 5 as the July Uprising Day. A public holiday has also been declared for Tuesday to mark the occasion.