BNP’s discussion titled ‘Mass Uprising 2024: National Unity and Democratic Journey’ began on Tuesday afternoon, marking the first anniversary of the July-August mass uprising.
The programme started at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital around 3:10pm with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran at around 3:10pm.
A munajat (prayer) was offered, seeking peace for the souls of those who were martyred during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements.
A one-minute silence was then observed while standing in honour of the martyrs, followed by the playing of the national anthem.
A documentary titled ‘National Unity and Democratic Journey’ was also screened on the occasion.
A deeply emotional moment unfolded as the families of those killed during mass uprisings and democratic movements, as well as victims of enforced disappearances, shared their sorrow and grief over the loss of their loved ones.
Many in the audience, including Tarique Rahman, were seen wiping away tears, moved by the speeches of the family members of the martyred and enforced disappearance victims.
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Martyred Abu Sayed’s elder brother Ramjan Ali, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho’s father Mostafizur Rahman, Wasim Akram’s father Safi Alam, Yamin’s father Mohiuddin, Fihan Fiaz’s sister Saima Islam Farin, Sanjida Islam Tuli, coordinator of Mayer Daak, a platform for family members of enforced disappearance victims, enforced disappearance victim and BNP leader Anisur Rahman Talukdar, Adiba Islam Hridi, daughter of enforced disappearance victim and Chhatra Dal leader Parvez Hossain, as well as the fathers of Biswajit and Abrar Fahad, who were brutally killed by ruling party cadres during the Awami League’s rule, Redwad Hossain Riyad, who lost his eyes in police firing during the mass uprising, spoke at the programme.
BNP leaders said the discussion was organised to honour the memory and sacrifices of those who killed made enforced disappear or suffered during the July-August mass uprising and other democratic movements.
BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is expected to address the event virtually as the chief guest, while Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the 36-day programme.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is scheduled to speak as a special guest, with the party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presiding over the programme.
A good number of family members of those who lost their lives, went missing during past political movements, including last year’s uprising, and others who were affected, attended the event.
Senior leaders from various political parties, along with families of martyrs and injured victims from last year’s mass uprising and other movements, have also been invited.
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Banners displayed photos of several martyrs, including Shaheed Abu Sayed, who was shot dead by police during the July-August uprising. The banners also featured graffiti artworks by students and citizens, with slogans such as ‘One Point, One Demand’ and ‘Down with Autocracy’.
The July-August observance began at one minute past midnight on Tuesday, when BNP’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, lit candles at the Central Shaheed Minar in a commemorative event titled ‘Glowing Memories in Light’.
Earlier, on June 26, the party announced a series of programmes to be observed from July 1 to August 6, marking one year since the July-August mass uprising that led to the fall of the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024.
The programme includes discussion meetings, silent marches, rallies, seminars, blood donation campaigns, graffiti painting, street theatre, football tournaments, children’s rights events and public awareness drives on dengue and COVID-19 prevention.