PM Tarique Rahman attends July National Convention 2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has attended the July National Convention-2026, a programme which is organised to commemorate those killed during the July 2024 Mass Uprising.

The convention commenced at 10:00am at the China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Saturday (July 4).

This year's theme is "Bangladesh First", while the main banner carries the slogan: "A proud history, an indomitable spirit—may July 4 inspire the nation with the sacrifice that changed history."

The programme opened with the national anthem followed by prayers seeking eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs.

The event has been jointly organised by the July 24 Shaheed Family Society and Amra July Joddha to honour the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the mass uprising.

Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the convention aims to pay tribute to the martyrs of the July Revolution and preserve the legacy of their sacrifice.

He said Tarique Rahman was attending as the chief guest.

The memorial event is being chaired by Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni and attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, alongside family members of those killed and injured during the July uprising, political leaders and invited guests.

The convention forms part of nationwide programmes marking the anniversary of the 36-day mass movement that began in mid-2024 as a student-led campaign demanding quota reforms in government jobs before evolving into a nationwide anti-government uprising.

The movement culminated in the resignation of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina after more than 15 years in power. Despite internet shutdowns and a forceful crackdown involving live ammunition, tear gas and mass arrests, the protests continued until the government fell.

During the convention, Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, who was killed in police firing on July 16, 2024, was remembered as the first martyr of the July uprising.