Bangladesh is marking 5 August as July Mass Uprising Day, the second anniversary of the 2024 student-public uprising that ousted the Awami League-led government.
The day is being observed with a public holiday, wreath-laying at July martyr memorials in all 64 districts, and receptions for martyrs' families and uprising fighters.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, in a message, called the 5 August 2024 uprising a historic victory that ended more than 15 years of fascist rule and said autocracy, fascism, extremism and militancy must never be allowed to return.
Acting President Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, in a separate message, urged unity to build a democratic, non-discriminatory, accountable and justice-based Bangladesh in the spirit of the uprising.
Official programs include the prime minister opening the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum and a discussion event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, with the acting president as chief guest.
Parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizens Party announced their own programs, such as a Jamaat rally at Palton and an NCP concert at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka.
At an event on Tuesday, Jamaat-e-Islami amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman said attacks on July uprising fighters are taking place and urged everyone to take a courageous role from their moral position to realize the uprising's spirit.
Communist Party of Bangladesh president Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chondon said the July movement remains unfinished until a democratic society and state free of communalism, imperialism, exploitation and discrimination are established.