As part of the month-long 'July Reawakening' commemorations marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s historic July Uprising, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs organized a special event titled '18 July: Private University Resistance Day' on Friday at the Hatirjheel Amphitheatre in the capital.

The evening’s programme featured a cultural event and a spectacular drone show under the title 'Awaz Uda', alongside the screening of documentary and musical films themed on the July movement.

Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event implemented by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the event drew a large crowd of students, artists, and dignitaries.

The event was joined by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Cultural Affairs Adviser to the government; Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministries of Road Transport and Bridges, Railways, and Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Prof Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education; Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministries of Housing and Public Works and Industries; Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser; Mofidul Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works; and Engr Md Riazul Islam, Chairman of Rajuk, among others.

Ambassadors from several countries, leaders of the Gono Odhikar Parishad including VP Nurul Haque Nur, families of the July Uprising martyrs and injured, and vice-chancellors and pro-vice-chancellors from various universities were also present.

The event began at 7pm with the national anthem, following an emotional onstage appearance by families of the July movement’s martyrs. This was followed by a short film on BUET student martyr Abrar Fahad and a documentary titled 'Heroes Without Capes: Private Universities in July'.

At 8pm, musical group Uccharon performed Islamic songs, followed by emotional tributes by singers Ahmed Hasan Sunny and Tashfee, who performed songs such as 'Polashir Prantor', 'Song for Palestine', 'Dhono Dhanno Pushpo Bhora', 'Karar Oi Louho Kopat', and 'Chol Chol Chol'. The duo concluded with a duet performance of 'Ami Banglay Gaan Gai'.

The much-anticipated drone show began at 9:30 pm. A joint initiative of the Governments of Bangladesh and China, the performance featured 2,000 drones illuminating the Dhaka skyline with animated visuals narrating the July Uprising, capturing its slogans, graffiti, and the collective energy of student-led protests.

The evening also included rap performances by artists Tahmid, Shezan, and the Rapper Collective, presenting powerful tracks such as 'Desh Songskar', 'Manush Hote Chai', 'Kaak Shashonamol', 'Sob Chup', 'Guli', 'Bangla Blockade', '24 er Gonobhyutthan', and 'Dhongsher Gaan'.

The event concluded with a live concert by popular band Artcell, who energized the audience with performances of their iconic tracks including 'Kandari Hushiar', 'Onno Shomoy', 'Dukhobilash', 'Pothchola', 'Ei Biday', 'Chilekothar Sepai', and 'Oniket Prantor'.

The 'July Reawakening' programme continues throughout the month across the country, celebrating the spirit of resistance, youth power, and national unity inspired by the 2024 July Uprising.