Dhaka, July 2 (V7N) — The interim government has officially declared August 5 as the annual ‘July Uprising Day’, marking the day the Awami League government fell amid the mass student uprising. The day will be observed every year as a public holiday.

In a related move, July 16—the day when Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, was killed in police firing in Rangpur during the July Movement—has been declared ‘July Martyrs’ Day’ to honor those who lost their lives.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Wednesday (July 2) formalizing these declarations. According to the notification:

  • August 5 will be observed annually as ‘July Uprising Day’, included as an ‘A’ category day in the Cabinet Division’s list of national and international observances, accompanied by a general holiday.

  • July 16 will be observed annually as ‘July Martyrs’ Day’, classified as a ‘B’ category day for commemoration.

Previously, on June 25, the Cabinet Division had issued circulars declaring August 8 as ‘New Bangladesh Day’, commemorating the formation of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus following the government’s fall during the uprising. However, facing widespread criticism and public protests, the government canceled those circulars today and replaced them with the new notifications.

These moves reflect the government’s efforts to formally recognize and memorialize the pivotal events of the July Uprising and its martyrs.

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