Crowds gather at Manik Mia Avenue to celebrate ‘36 July’

Crowds of people have been gathering at Manik Mia Avenue to celebrate ‘36 July’—the day the Awami League government was ousted following a mass uprising.

Although the main programme was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am on Tuesday, there was a slight delay in its commencement.

To commemorate July Mass Uprising Day, various programmes have been scheduled throughout the day and night, including cultural performances and a drone show, which will continue until around midnight. The July Declaration is set to be read out at 5:00 pm at Manik Mia Avenue.

Rakibul Islam, who came from Old Dhaka, said, “I’ve been here since morning just to listen to the July Declaration. On this very day, the country achieved freedom at the cost of student and public lives. This event is for all of us—to keep this day memorable.”

Riazul Bashar, who arrived from Savar, told Jago News, “Through the continuous movement of ‘36 July’, we witnessed the fall of the tyrant Hasina and the emergence of a new Bangladesh. Today is a historic day for that new Bangladesh.”

Regarding security, Tejgaon Division’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibn Mizan told Jago News that measures have been intensified in and around Manik Mia Avenue. A large number of police personnel have been deployed, including uniformed and plainclothes officers, as well as intelligence teams.

Additional DIG Khalidul Haque Howlader, Commander of RAB-2, said that high-capacity CCTV cameras have been installed in the area, and a significant number of RAB members have been deployed to ensure public safety.

At 5:00 pm, the July Declaration will be read out at the South Plaza of the National Parliament by Chief Advisor Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the event live.

Other highlights of the day include musical performances by various cultural groups, a symbolic programme titled Celebrating the Fall of Fascism at 2:25 pm, a Special Drone Show at 7:30 pm, and a live performance by the band Artcell at 8:00 pm.

Due to the large public gathering expected in the area, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has announced that vehicular movement on the road in front of the National Parliament will remain suspended for the day.