The National Citizen Party (NCP) has announced a series of nationwide events throughout July to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 student-led uprising and to highlight the government’s failure to act on the promised July Charter.
NCP leaders say the party will declare a people’s manifesto and charter at Dhaka’s Shaheed Minar on August 3, followed by commemorations of Student Freedom Day on August 5. At a press conference, they criticized what they described as the government’s silence and inaction.
A Year Since the Uprising
The NCP is calling their triumph on August 5th a “people’s victory,” but it was a victory paid for in sacrifice. For 36 days, a movement that began over a simple quota protest grew into a full-throated demand to topple the regime. Along the way, more than a thousand of its supporters were reportedly injured or thrown in jail.
In remembrance, the party will kick off a “July March” from July 1, beginning at the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed in Rangpur.
“We’ll travel to all 64 districts,” an NCP spokesperson said. “We will meet families of those who were killed, talk to injured protestors, and listen to ordinary students and citizens who joined the uprising. Their hopes from July still matter.”
July 16 to Be Observed as Anti-Discrimination Martyrs’ Day
The NCP called on citizens to observe July 16 as Anti-Discrimination Martyrs’ Day. The date marks the death of Abu Sayeed, regarded as the first martyr of the July uprising.
“The procession of sacrifice began with him,” said a party leader. “We will hold memorial services and prayer events nationwide to honor him and others.”
Accusations Against the Government
NCP leader Nahid Islam criticized the ruling Awami League for not following through on commitments made during the protests.
“The government was supposed to present the July Charter within 30 working days after our movement. That deadline has long passed,” he said.
“We see no initiative, no progress. So, on August 3, at Shaheed Minar, we—the students and the people—will present the manifesto ourselves.”
He also urged the government to abandon plans to observe August 8 as “New Bangladesh Day,” calling it an attempt to sidestep the legacy of the popular movement.
Growing Tension Ahead of Commemorative Events
With political pressure building, observers are watching whether the government will respond to the NCP’s renewed mobilization. The events come amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
The NCP has positioned its campaign not merely as a tribute to the past, but as a push to carry forward unresolved demands. Whether it will reignite public momentum or spark fresh activism is still uncertain.
For now, the party’s focus is clear: reasserting public ownership of a movement they say brought real change—though one the government has yet to recognize.
