A day-long cultural event marking the '36 July Uprising' drew thousands to Manik Mia Avenue on Tuesday, as people braved the rain to take part in one of the major public celebrations of the month-long commemorative programme.

Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat and coordinated by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), the programme is part of a series of events aimed at reviving the memory of the historic July Uprising of 2024.

Tuesday’s event began at noon with a cultural segment, symbolic celebration of the “Fascist’s Escape”, the reading of the historic July Declaration, and a special drone performance titled Do You Miss Me?

Manik Mia Avenue remained vibrant throughout the day with an atmosphere of festivity. Despite intermittent rain, a large crowd gathered to take part in the programme.

The cultural segment opened with performances by Saimum Shilpigosthi, who rendered songs such as ‘Ei Desh Amar Bangladesh’, ‘Ay Tarunno Ay’, ‘Jiboner Golpo’, ‘O Ma Ar Kedo Na’, ‘Jader Jonno Pelam Abar Notun Bangladesh’, and ‘Jarigan’, along with Islamic songs.

Kolorob Shilpigosthi followed with performances of ‘Tomar Kudrati Paye’, ‘De De Pal Tule De’, ‘Dhono Dhanno Pushpobhora’, ‘Inchi Inchi Mati’, and ‘Delhi Na Dhaka’.

Singer Nahid then performed ‘Palashir Prantor’ and ‘36 July’, while singer Tashfee delivered ‘Nongor Tolo Tolo’, ‘Tumi Priyo Kobita’, ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’, ‘Chol Chol’, and ‘Dhon Dhanno Pushpobhora’.

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At 2:25 pm, the symbolic moment of the “Fascist’s Escape” was marked with a ceremonial balloon release, followed by music performances by Chittagong Hip-Hop Hood, who performed ‘Cheyechilam Odhikar, Hoyegelam Razakar’ and ‘Amra Ashchi Dhaka Kapaitay’.

Rapper Shezan followed with songs including ‘Kotha Ko’, ‘Hudai Hutashe’, and ‘Daak Diyachen Doyal Amare’. Popular band Shunno then performed ‘Shoto Asha’, ‘Behula’, ‘Rajahin Rajjo’, and ‘Shono Mohajon’.

Renowned singers Ethun Babu, Mousumi and their musical team later performed ‘Collage Sangeet’, ‘Amader Bangladesh’, ‘Maa (Polash)’, ‘Deshta Tomar Baper Naki’, ‘Ekhono Amra Jege Achi’, and ‘Ekta Chador Hobe Chador’.

At approximately 5:10 pm, following the arrival of the Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, the national anthem was performed by vocalists from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. This was followed by a minute of silence in remembrance of those martyred in the July movement and the screening of a documentary titled 'July Birgatha'.

A student representative addressed the audience following the documentary screening.

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At 5:20 pm, the historic July Declaration was read by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. The event was attended by senior government officials, advisers, secretaries, heads of agencies, political leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, student delegates, and media personnel.

Popular singer Shayan then performed ‘July-er Gaan’, ‘Ami Gaichi Sobai’r Jonno’, and ‘Tajjob Bone Jai’. Ethun Babu and Mousumi returned to perform ‘Deshta Tomar Baper Naki’, ‘Gonojagoroner Gaan’, ‘Maa’, and ‘Amader Bangladesh’.

Later, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministries of LGRD and Youth & Sports, briefly addressed the gathering, expressing heartfelt gratitude to attendees on behalf of the government.

The evening concluded with powerful performances from iconic bands Souls and Warfaze. Souls played ‘Dekha Hobe Bondhu’, ‘Mon Shudhu Mon Chhuyeche’, ‘Brishti Dekhe Onek Kedechhi’, and ‘Nissongota’, while Warfaze rocked the stage with ‘Maharaj’, ‘Osamajik’, ‘Nei Proyojon’, ‘Obak Bhalobasha’, ‘Purnota’, and ‘Tomake’.

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Performances continued with the Basic Guitar Learning School presenting ‘Amra Korbo Joy’, followed by ethnic fusion band F Minor with ‘Meye’, ‘Mukti’, and ‘Dahuk’.

Singer Parsha delivered ‘Chol Bhule Jai’, ‘Muktir Mondire’, and ‘Mora Jhonjhar Moto’, and popular artist Elita Karim performed ‘Dhono Dhanno’ and ‘Palashir Prantor’.

The night ended on a high note with rock band Artcell performing ‘Swadhinota Medley’, ‘Dukkho Bilash’, ‘Pothchola’, ‘Onno Shomoy’, ‘Bangladesh’, and ‘Kandari Hushiyar’.

More than 250 artistes from various bands and musical groups participated in the cultural event. The open-for-all celebration was hosted by renowned presenters Zulhajj Zubayer and Sara Alam.