Thousands of jubilant Bangladeshis gathered in Dhaka on Tuesday to commemorate the first anniversary of the mass uprising that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as the interim government unveiled a symbolic roadmap pledging sweeping democratic reforms.

Rallies, concerts, and prayer sessions filled the capital as citizens celebrated what many hailed as the nation’s “second liberation,” marking the historic student-led movement that ousted Hasina on August 5 last year.

The day’s events culminated with Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim administration, formally reading out the “July Declaration” — a 28-point charter seeking constitutional recognition of the 2024 uprising, which erupted in response to economic mismanagement and state repression.

“The people of Bangladesh wish for the student-people uprising of 2024 to be duly recognised in the constitution,” Yunus said, addressing a gathering at the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad, flanked by leaders of various political parties. “The July Declaration will be enshrined in the reformed constitution, to be framed by the next elected government.”

While supporters view the declaration as a foundational step towards institutional reform, sceptics caution that its impact may remain largely symbolic unless underpinned by a robust legal framework and parliamentary consensus.

Earlier in a televised address, Yunus vowed to “build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again,” paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle. He reaffirmed his commitment to holding a free, fair, and transparent election by early next year, amid growing pressure for an expedited transition amidst rising labour unrest.

“Fallen autocrats and their vested allies remain active,” he warned, calling for national unity to safeguard the hard-earned victories of the uprising. He added that while his interim government had embarked on far-reaching reforms, the trials of those responsible for the “July Killings” of 2024 were progressing steadily.

Jubilation and Reflection

Waving flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans, large crowds converged near parliament, including survivors of last year’s protests.

“On this day in 2024, the tyrant Sheikh Hasina fled the country,” said Ahmedul Hasan, standing with his sister. “I was here last year. I’ve come back to relive that moment and join in the celebrations.”

But not all were swept up in the euphoria.

“Despite all the bloodshed and sacrifice, a truly liberal democracy still feels like a distant dream,” reflected Sabbir Ahmed, a college student from Jamalpur, who had taken part in last year’s demonstrations.

Security was tight across Dhaka, with armoured vehicles patrolling key thoroughfares to pre-empt any disruption attempts by remnants of Hasina’s now-banned Awami League.

In a defiant open letter, Hasina insisted she had “never resigned from the duties of prime minister”, vowing to return.

“Let this anniversary not be a day of retrospection but a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow,” she wrote. “Bangladesh has faced adversity before. We will rise again — stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people.”