Dhaka marks July uprising anniversary with Monsoon Revolution concert calling for national unity
Photo Collected
Thousands of citizens gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on Wednesday to commemorate the second anniversary of the July mass uprising, marking the occasion with a vibrant cultural event titled “Monsoon Revolution Songs.” The concert, organized by the Monsoon Cultural Center in affiliation with the National Citizens Party (NCP), served as both a celebration of the student-led victory and a solemn tribute to those killed or injured during the movement.
Despite afternoon rainfall, crowds steadily swelled as a lineup of prominent artists, including Avoid Rafa, Arbovirus, Kureghor, and Artcell, performed on a sprawling stage erected in the heart of the city. The musical tributes spanned various genres, featuring performances by Reaz Morshed, Nahid and the Magicians, rapper Tahmid, Parsha Mahjabeen, and iconic rockers like Asif Akbar and Hassan of the band Ark.
The evening segment shifted toward political discourse, with speakers reflecting on the legacy of the uprising and the imperative of national unity. Acting Speaker of the National Parliament Kaiser Kamal presided over the commemorative session, calling for a collective commitment to build a nation free from the authoritarianism that characterized the previous administration. He emphasized the necessity of honoring the families of victims who suffered under the former regime’s policies of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Government Chief Whip Nurul Islam issued a stern warning to political opponents, vowing that the democratic gains made by the student movement would be protected against any future threats to free speech. Meanwhile, NCP convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam extended his gratitude to the artistic community for their instrumental role in standing alongside the students during the height of the protests.
The event also touched upon geopolitical tensions, with parliamentary whip A.B.M. Ashraf Uddin and NCP lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah urging the public to remain vigilant against external threats and conspiracies. The concert concluded late into the night, serving as a symbolic affirmation of the movement’s persistence two years after the historic transition of power.
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