Dhaka: Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki announced the commencement of the official July Revival celebrations with the observance of July Women’s Day, honoring the pivotal role played by female students of Dhaka University during last year’s protests. This was revealed at a press conference held at Ganabhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, July Women’s Day is being commemorated today, July 14, to remember the contributions of women in the July movement. Present at the conference were Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Deputy Press Secretary Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, among others.
The origins of the movement trace back to July 14 of the previous year, when then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, later deposed by a mass uprising, labeled protesting students as the grandchildren of the Razakars. This incited a strong response, leading Dhaka University students to take to the streets. Subsequent protests led to the fall of Hasina’s government on August 5.
Adviser Farooki outlined the events planned for the July Revival celebration, beginning with a cultural evening at the Central Shaheed Minar. The program started with the national anthem performed by artists from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka University Music Department students, and singer Sayan.
The evening featured performances by Sayan, who sang pieces such as ‘Amii Bangladesh’, ‘Tajjab Bane Jai’, and ‘Ami July Er Golpo Bolbo’. A documentary by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs was also screened, followed by films ‘Deepak Kumar Goswami Speaking’ and ‘July Bishad Sindhu’. Participants and family members of the July Movement martyrs shared their experiences.
The night continued with musical performances by band Ila La La and the slogan girls, culminating in songs by F Minor and singer Parsa Mahjabin. The event concluded with Elita Karim’s rendition of iconic songs like ‘Ami Banglaay Gaan Gai’.
A highlight of the celebration is a Musical Drone Show organized by Bangladesh and China, featuring 2000 drones illustrating the history of Bangladesh’s July Uprising. This visual spectacle will depict the journey to July and the iconic moment when DU students leaped from the hall on July 14.
Farooki further mentioned upcoming events, including separate celebrations in Chattogram and Rangpur for July Martyrs’ Day on July 16, and significant events on July 18 for Private University Resistance Day, and July 21 for Madrasa Resistance Day. The construction of July memorials across 64 districts commenced today, with a memorial in Narayanganj inaugurated by five advisors. The memorials are set for completion by August 4.
Women and Children’s Affairs Adviser Sharmeen S. Murshid highlighted the bravery of women, who protected their male counterparts during the uprising, emphasizing the movement’s demonstration of collective power. The ministry has initiated efforts to identify and honor female fighters of the July movement, addressing issues like cyberbullying through counseling and preservation of their achievements.
Murshid explained the delay in recognizing these female fighters, attributing it to oversight, but assured that efforts are underway, with 100 women tasked with locating those involved in the movement. Journalists were also given a tour of Ganabhaban and the museum construction site.