Amid ongoing political instability, Bangladesh has officially declared August 5 a national holiday to commemorate the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. The move comes a year after mass protests led to her exit in 2024.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. “The step is being taken to commemorate the July uprising, which toppled the Hasina government,” Farooki stated, according to The Dhaka Tribune.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also attended the briefing.
Gazette Notification Expected Soon
Farooki said an official Gazette notification will be issued following the upcoming Advisory Council meeting, scheduled for Sunday. He also unveiled plans for a series of events leading up to the holiday. Preliminary programs will begin on July 1, with major commemorative events scheduled from July 14 to August 1.
Sheikh Hasina Summoned by War Crimes Tribunal
While the government prepares to honor the uprising, former Prime Minister Hasina faces serious legal challenges. On Monday, the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) summoned her and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to appear in court on June 24.
The tribunal labeled them as fugitives, demanding their appearance for trial in cases involving “crimes against humanity”.
Both leaders stand accused of ordering law enforcement to target and torture political activists during the protests that led to the collapse of Hasina’s Awami League government.
Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled to India in August 2024, shortly before Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as Interim Chief Adviser of Bangladesh.
Arrest Efforts Ongoing, Says Prosecution
The ICT has directed authorities to publish notices summoning both Hasina and Khan. The prosecution confirmed to the court that despite multiple attempts, neither individual has been apprehended.
Meanwhile, former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who is currently in custody, will stand trial alongside Hasina and Khan.
