Dhaka, Aug 1 (V7N) — As Bangladesh observes the first anniversary of the historic July Uprising, preparations have been completed for a four-day nationwide event—July Jagoron—set to begin Friday, August 1, at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. The commemoration pays tribute to the student-led mass movement of July 2024, which resulted in the fall of a 16-year authoritarian regime.

Sparked by protests against the quota system in government recruitment, the movement rapidly transformed into a widespread civil uprising. Students spearheaded the demonstrations, soon joined by citizens from all walks of life. Tens of thousands flooded the streets of major cities, demanding the abolition of the quota policy and sweeping democratic reforms.

Volunteers meticulously arrange banners and set up the central area of the ‘July Jagoron’ stage in Dhaka, preparing for the upcoming four-day commemoration of the July Uprising. (Photo: A H Mintu/V7N)

By early August 2024, the protests had reached a point of no return. Despite attempts by the government to quell the uprising through internet blackouts, mass arrests, and violent crackdowns, the movement gained momentum. Rather than silencing dissent, these measures strengthened public resolve and accelerated the regime’s collapse.

The fall of the regime marked the end of 16 years of centralized rule—characterized by opposition groups and rights watchdogs as authoritarian and fascist. It cleared the path for major political, institutional, and electoral reforms, many of which are still being implemented.

July Jagoron, organized to commemorate this landmark in the nation’s history, has been described by its planners as a celebration of democratic reawakening and youth-led resistance. The program includes documentary screenings, exhibitions, panel discussions, concerts, and memorials honoring those who were injured or lost their lives during the uprising.

The event will take place at Suhrawardy Udyan, a symbolic venue associated with pivotal moments in Bangladesh’s political evolution. Attendees are expected from across the country, including student leaders, families of victims, civil society activists, and newly engaged political voices.

Volunteers apply the finishing touches to the 36-Point Photo gallery display, preparing for the ‘July Jagoron’ commemoration event in Dhaka. (Photo: A H Mintu/V7N)

Security measures have been heightened ahead of the gathering. Law enforcement is coordinating closely with organizers, while volunteer groups—many of whom were involved in last year’s protests—are overseeing logistics and crowd management.

The July Uprising is now widely recognized as a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s modern political narrative. It is celebrated not only as a successful movement against injustice, but also as a reassertion of civic power. As the nation pauses to reflect on the transformative events of July 2024, July Jagoron stands as a symbol of continued hope for participatory governance and social equity.

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