August 5 Declared Public Holiday to Honour July Uprising

The government has officially declared August 5 a nationwide public holiday to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the historic July 2024 uprising. The day will henceforth be observed every year as ‘July Mass Uprising Day’, marking a significant addition to the country’s national calendar.

The announcement was made through a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Wednesday, signed by Mohammad Khaled Hasan, Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division. According to the notification, the decision to observe August 5 as a public holiday reflects the government's recognition of the sacrifice and courage demonstrated during the uprising that swept across parts of the country last year.

The gazette further stated that the day has been classified as a ‘Ka’ category observance, which places it among the most important national and international days observed in Bangladesh. Events under this category typically involve nationwide commemorative activities, including government-led ceremonies, public rallies, and special programmes by educational institutions and civic bodies.

The move comes in response to growing public calls for official recognition of the July 2024 mass movement, which is widely seen as a turning point in the country’s recent political history. Though details surrounding the uprising remain sensitive, it is acknowledged that a large number of citizens, including students, workers, and ordinary civilians, took part in a series of protests demanding justice, accountability, and democratic reforms.

The government’s decision to honour the fallen with a dedicated national holiday is seen by many as a symbolic gesture aimed at healing and reconciliation, while acknowledging the role of citizen movements in shaping the country's democratic trajectory.

Political observers and historians have welcomed the declaration, calling it a long-overdue step towards recognising popular movements that have significantly influenced the course of the nation. Civil society groups, student organisations, and families of those who died during the protests have also expressed appreciation, stating that the recognition will help preserve the memory of the sacrifices made for future generations.

With this inclusion, government offices, banks, financial institutions, and educational institutions across the country will remain closed on August 5 every year in observance of ‘July Mass Uprising Day’. Public programmes, memorial gatherings, and discussions on democracy and civic rights are expected to be held to commemorate the occasion.

The Cabinet Division has also instructed all ministries, divisions, and relevant institutions to make necessary preparations to observe the day with due honour and solemnity from this year onward.

This recognition not only marks a significant addition to the nation’s list of public holidays, but also stands as a formal acknowledgment of the spirit of the people, whose voice and actions during the uprising continue to echo in the country’s collective memory.