Bangladesh’s interim government on Monday (July 1) launched a month-long series of events to mark the first anniversary of the July Uprising, vowing to uphold democratic values and resist any return to autocratic rule.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus formally inaugurated the programme at his office around 11am, calling on citizens to treat July as a “month of renaissance and unity.”

“We will observe this [July Uprising] every year to ensure that signs of autocracy are resisted before they can take root,” Prof Yunus said. “We want to consolidate national unity again. Difficult times lie ahead, but there is immense potential too.”

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Education Adviser CR Abrar also addressed the opening ceremony.

The programme—outlined by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on June 24—includes prayers, rallies, art and music exhibitions, remembrance events, and digital campaigns spanning the entire month.

Key events of the July Uprising commemoration:
July 1
Special prayers will be held at mosques, temples, churches, and pagodas nationwide in memory of the victims. A national mass signature campaign demanding justice for those killed during the July unrest begins and will continue until August 1. Scholarships under the National University will also be launched in the names of the martyrs.

July 5
A nationwide poster campaign will highlight the alleged oppression carried out by the ousted Awami League government.

July 7
The official website, Julyforever.org, will go live to serve as a digital archive and platform for the movement.

July 14 – “Mora Jhanjar Moto Uddam” (We Rise Like a Storm)
Designated as July Women’s Day. Testimonies from families of martyrs will be collected. Memorials will be inaugurated in each district. The Shilpakala Academy will screen July-related videos across 64 districts and at universities. Events include projection mapping, documentary screenings, July-themed music, and a drone show at Dhaka University’s TSC.

July 15 – “Ami Chitkar Koria Kaditea Chahiya” (I Want to Scream and Cry)
Video and documentary screenings, musical performances, and projection events will be held at major universities. An LED wall installation is planned at Dhaka University.

July 16 – “Katha Ka” (Who Speaks?)
Virtual reality (VR) shows at divisional cities, memorial programmes in Rangpur’s Begum Rokeya University, and cultural performances in Chattogram.

July 17 – “Shikal-pora Chhol” (Breaking the Chains)
Symbolic coffin processions and teacher-led experience-sharing sessions at public universities across the country.

July 18 – “Awaaz Uda” (Raise Your Voice)
A symbolic one-minute internet blackout, musical events, and a student marathon will take place in Dhaka.

July 19 – “Koto Biplobi Bandhur Rokhtea Ranga” (Soaked in the Blood of Revolutionaries)
Rallies in Narsingdi and Savar. The day is marked as the “Resistance against Genocide Day.”

July 20 – “Deshta Tomar Baper Naki?” (Is This Country Your Father’s?)
Remembrance events and screenings will be held in Dhaka, including rallies in Basila and Mirpur-10.

July 21 – “Rakhto Gorom Matha Danda” (Blood Boils, Heads Held High)
Documentaries and rallies will be organised in Jatrabari and madrasas under the Madrasa Education Board.

July 22 – “Abhas” (Impression)
A memorial monument Adomya-24 will be inaugurated at Jahangirnagar University. Poets will recite July-themed poetry at Raju Sculpture.

July 23 – “Karar Oi Lowha Kapat” (The Iron Gates of Prison)
Diaspora events will be held with social media influencers who supported the movement. A global solidarity campaign will include exhibitions at foreign embassies.

July 24 – “Ki Korchea Tomar Baba” (What Is Your Father Doing?)
Dedicated to child martyrs. Programmes will include a painting competition, installation of a sculpture at Shishu Academy, and a graphic novel launch based on the July movement.

July 25 – “Cholo Bholea Jai” (Let’s Not Forget)
Street theatre performances will be held nationwide to revive revolutionary spirit.

July 26 – “Palashir Prantar” (The Field of Plassey)
The final day will feature student rallies at Suhrawardy Udyan, rap performances, madrasa-related documentaries, and a special book fair on the July movement at Bangla Academy.

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