July mass uprising day: Flags, flares and freedom take over Manik Mia

Just as the clock struck 2:25pm, a wave of jubilation swept through Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka as slogans rang out and hundreds of balloons floated skyward, all commemorating the anniversary of the historic day when deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country.

Exactly one year ago, she had boarded a military helicopter and later fled to India, following intense student-led protests.

To mark yesterday's July Uprising Day, observed as a public holiday, thousands gathered with drums, slogans, and flags. Families of martyrs, ordinary citizens, activists, and political leaders joined the event, vowing to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

On the final day of the "36 Days of July", as uprising leaders termed it, the government and various political groups organised programmes across the country. District administrations also organised programmes to observe the day, and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus addressed them through video messages.

Joining the celebrations at Manik Mia Avenue, Prof Yunus also announced the July Declaration, flanked by political leaders and others, around 5:00pm.

Earlier in the day, he released a commemorative stamp and inaugural envelope at the State Guest House Jamuna.

He also visited the construction site of the July Uprising Memorial Museum at Gono Bhaban, the former prime minister's residence. The memorial is being built to document the uprising's struggle, martyrdom, and victory.

The event at Manik Mia Avenue began an hour late due to rain. It continued drizzling through the day, but attendees remained, drenched but undeterred.

Meanwhile, familiar slogans from last year's movement echoed through the area.

The cultural segment opened around 12:10pm with Saimum Shilpigosthi of Islami Chhatra Shibir performing "Ei desh amar Bangladesh, amar bhalobasha" (This country is my Bangladesh, my love).

Bands including Artcell, Shunno, Souls, Warfaze, Basic Guitar Learning School, F Minor Chittagong Hip-Hop Hood, and Kolorob Shilpigosthi took the stage.

Solo performers included Shayan, Elita Karim, Parsha, Nahid, Tashfi, Sezan, Ethun Babu, and Moushumi.

A symbolic mass grave stands in tribute to the martyred heroes of July. Photos: Chief Adviser’s Press Wing

In total, over 250 artistes participated in the cultural lineup.

One of the highlights was a drone drama show titled "Do You Miss Me", written by the Anonymous -- the story of July told through nearly 2,000 flying drones.

Draped in national flags, thousands continued to join until nightfall.

Among them was Barnali Chowdhury, who, after the July Declaration was announced, said, "Merely announcing the declaration is not enough; we want its full and effective implementation."

Eighty-year-old Begum Hosnera came to witness the moment. "The July Declaration is a reflection of public aspiration. [It is] a document recognising the youth-led uprising…. We could not give the students the country they dreamt of. Their sacrifice must not go in vain."

Abdur Rahim, who came from Uttara, said, "This declaration must receive constitutional and legal recognition. We've seen frameworks developed before but they never implemented. This time, we demand real change."

Abul Kashem, a schoolteacher who came all the way from Feni, said, "The students dreamt of a Bangladesh free from exploitation, corruption, and inequality -- a dream we must now honour through action and accountability."

In observance of July Mass Uprising Day yesterday, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus visited the under-construction “July Uprising Memorial Museum” at the Gono Bhaban, which was previously the residence of the deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Sculptures in the outdoor area depict iconic moments from the July uprising. Photos: Chief Adviser’s Press Wing

In the morning, The Daily Star spoke to several attendees. Some called the day a victory for the mass movement; others saw it as a symbol of the fall of fascism.

Mohammad Solaiman, 12, a student from Jurain who was injured on July 19 last year, said, "It's been a year since Sheikh Hasina ran away. I want a beautiful Bangladesh where people can live happily."

Shot in the leg during a protest, he now struggles to walk.

His mother, Rekha Begum, added, "My son was hurt protesting for the country. I want him to recover and return to a normal life."

Masum Billah, a student from Tongi, arrived by 11:00am. "This is a day of joy. The Hasina government fell on this day a year ago. That's why this day matters."

Around the same time, the mother of Parvez Mia, a 28-year-old garment worker killed in Jatrabari during the uprising, also arrived. "I came to meet the chief adviser. I want to share my pain and tell him about my son."

The interior gallery showcases photographs, artworks, books, and newspapers highlighting the past regime’s brutalities and the rebellion. Photos: Chief Adviser’s Press Wing

Lal Mia, injured in Mohammadpur on July 19, came from Bosila. "I'm happy to be here. It was a great moment for us when Hasina left. Now we hope the country will be led by good people."

While the gathering remained peaceful, it was held under tight security.

A moment of panic erupted when a gas balloon touched overhead wires and exploded. Ten people were injured and treated at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said resident surgeon Dr Shawon Bin Rahman.

However, the fire from the explosion was soon brought under control using airflow from a drone.