The July Uprising is not for sale. That was the message echoed across Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Sunday as citizens, officials, artists, and activists gathered to observe July Women’s Day.
Held to recognize women’s role in the mass uprising, the event also became a space to demand gender equality and remember the women who stood against autocracy.
“Those who do not accept the July Uprising are not one of us. July belongs to everyone,” said speakers at the gathering, rejecting any effort to monopolize or commercialize the movement’s legacy.
Farzana Wahid Sayan, known for her involvement in the uprising, performed songs that were both reflective and defiant. Her set included “Ei Meye Shono”, “Ami Julyer Golpo Bolbo”, and “Amar Nam Palestine.”
The programme began with the national anthem performed by students from Dhaka University and members of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. A government-produced documentary on the July Uprising was screened in the evening, followed later by another film honoring martyr Abrar Fahad.
The list of attendees featured a mix of interim government advisers, university officials, and cultural figures. Among them were Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, Social Welfare and Women’s Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid, Fisheries Adviser Farida Akhter, and Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam, and Nazrul Institute Executive Director Latiful Islam Shibli were also present.
During the event, the mother of martyr Naima Sultana shared her memories. So did several July fighters and Dhaka University faculty members, including Saima and Umama.
Many emphasized that while the authoritarian government had fallen, the fight for women’s freedom was ongoing. “We want to walk freely in this country. We want freedom of speech. We want equality,” they said.
Some warned that if systemic abuse and gender-based violence continue, the women of July would return to the streets once more.
The event also included musical performances by Mahjabin and Elita Karim, who sang pieces such as “Cholo Bhule Jai”, “Mukthir O Mondire”, and “Ami Banglay Gan Gai.”
Although the tone was commemorative, it was not without urgency. The speakers made clear that remembrance must come with responsibility—and a refusal to let the spirit of July be forgotten or misused.
