Dhaka, July 31 (V7N) — Bangladesh observed the first anniversary of the historic July Revolution of 2024 on Wednesday with a large-scale public event titled “Red July” hosted at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy grounds. Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Academy, the ceremony featured collective participation from families of martyrs, injured protesters, and ordinary citizens united in memory.
A 20‑foot wide circle of white canvas was laid in the auditorium lawn, into which participants pressed their red‑painted palmprints—symbolizing both remembrance of fallen student-leaders and solidarity with the movement that toppled the prior regime.
The event was inaugurated by the parents of Shahriar Khan Anas, one of the movement’s youth martyrs—father Saharia Khan Palash and mother Sanjida Khan Dipti. Also present was Mohammad Wares Hossain, Secretary and Acting Director General of the Shilpakala Academy, along with dignitaries from the Ministry and leading cultural institutions.
The ceremony forms part of a month-long calendar of arts and cultural programs commemorating the mass uprising that began as a student campaign against government quotas and evolved into a nationwide pro‑democratic revolution—culminating in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in early August 2024 and the formation of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The annual event reflects continued public sentiment that the sacrifices made during the uprising deserve recognition and that the spirit of the “July Revolution” remains alive in Bangladesh’s ongoing democratic journey.
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