Chattogram: July Mass Uprising was commemorated in Chattogram with cultural programmes, drone shows, and other events. A month-long series of programmes are being organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to revive the memory of the July Uprising.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a colourful cultural event and drone show began at 6 pm at the Chattogram MA Aziz Stadium. The event reflected on the turbulent days of July 2024, highlighting struggle, heroism, sacrifice, and suffering. Attendees enjoyed film screenings, musical performances, and tributes to martyrs' families, with performances by prominent bands and artists including ethnic groups like Marma, Chakma, and Bom.
A large crowd of students, young men and women, and youth formed a long, peaceful queue to enter the stadium from 4 pm. The field of the MA Aziz Stadium was filled to capacity. The commemoration paid deep respect to martyrs such as Shaheed Abu Sayeed, Shaheed Faisal Hossain Shanto, Shaheed Mohammad Wasim, Shaheed Md. Shahjahan Mia, Shaheed Md. Faruk, and all those who sacrificed their lives in the July 2024 Uprising.
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-E-Azam were present at the programme, alongside Cultural Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, and other senior officials. Family members of the martyrs also participated in the event.
The cultural event titled 'Katha Ka' commenced at 6:15 pm. At 7 pm, family members of martyrs like Shaheed Faisal Hossain Shanto's mother and Shaheed Omar Faruk's wife Seema Akhter shared poignant memories of their loved ones. Films about BUET student Shaheed Abrar Fahad, Shaheed Wasim Waqar, and other injured members of the July Movement were screened.
The band 'Parabar Shilpi Gosthi' performed at 8 pm, followed by Rhythm and Pritam who captivated the audience. The evening concluded with a special drone show at 11 pm, jointly presented by the Bangladesh and Chinese governments, featuring 2000 drones depicting the story of July.