Dhaka, July 1 (V7N) — Several major political parties and alliances across Bangladesh—including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), National Citizens’ Party (NCP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Adhikar Parishad, and others—have launched various programs to commemorate the anniversary of the historic July Uprising. Events are being held nationwide throughout July, including rallies, processions, prayer ceremonies, and public discussions.
 
The anniversary, observed every year on July 1, marks a turning point in Bangladesh’s history, symbolizing student-led protests and public mobilization. To honor the day, participating political groups aim to promote democratic reforms, national unity, and remembrance of martyrs.
 
BNP, which has branded this year’s events under the theme of “Uprising, Mourning, and Victory,” will observe a month-long program from June 30 to August 6. On Tuesday at 3 PM, the BNP will host a discussion and tribute ceremony titled “Uprising 2024: National Unity and the Democratic Journey” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. Top party figures including Chairperson Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman are scheduled to address the event.
 
Earlier, on July 1 at midnight, the BNP’s student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal launched a symbolic candlelight vigil at the Central Shaheed Minar, titled “Illuminating Memories with Light.”
 
Meanwhile, the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) announced a month-long mass campaign titled “July March to Rebuild the Nation.” The initiative includes public outreach, cultural events, and rallies across all 64 districts. The program began on Tuesday morning with a visit to the grave of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the uprising, in Pirganj, Rangpur. Additional gatherings were held in Gaibandha and Rangpur later in the day.
 
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has also launched a prayer-focused campaign. At a press conference last Saturday, Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar announced prayers across the party’s nationwide branches in honor of those killed or injured in the uprising. A central prayer gathering was held Tuesday at 11 AM at the party’s Purana Paltan office in Dhaka.
 
The Gana Adhikar Parishad, led by Nurul Haque Nur and Rashed Khan, hosted a discussion Tuesday morning at the Dhaka Reporters Unity titled “From Quota Reform to National Reform (2018–2024).” The party outlined its own month-long schedule, which will focus on engaging youth and civil society in governance debates.
 
In parallel, Ganosamhati Andolon paid tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar Tuesday at 11 AM, honoring the martyrs of the July Uprising.
 
Another group, July Oikya, organized a “March for July Revives” campaign that began in front of the National Press Club and proceeded to Shahbagh. The march advocated for media freedom, accountability of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the adoption of the July Charter.
 
United Peoples Bangladesh (UP Bangladesh) has announced activities from July 1 to August 5, including public engagement and organizational outreach programs across the country. The Socialist Party of Bangladesh (Marxist) has also committed to visiting the families of those killed in the uprising between July 1 and 14.
 
As the July Uprising’s anniversary grows into a larger symbol of political resistance and reform, opposition groups are using this moment not only to reflect on history but also to press their demands for structural changes and democratic governance in the lead-up to the next national election.
 
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