Memorial drone display illuminates Dhaka sky in honor of martyrs from July uprising.
In the heart of Dhaka, Manik Mia Avenue was transformed into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration on 5 August. The event, known as the "36 July Celebration," was a significant commemoration of the first anniversary of the July-August 2024 mass uprising against the Awami League government.
The highlight of the day was the dramatic drone show titled "Do You Miss Me?" Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the show illuminated the Dhaka sky with a poignant, artistic narrative that dramatized memories of resistance and the ongoing demand for accountability and change in the country's political landscape.
Thousands gathered near the South Plaza of the National Parliament to witness this spectacle. The drone show included haunting representations of Bangladesh's 16-year fascist period, Aynaghar, extrajudicial killings, the Bangladesh Bank heist, and a towering, grotesque image of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. It was a visual tribute to the bravery of the uprising participants and served as a poignant reminder of those killed and injured during the historic event.
The drone show took place at 11pm, and was preceded by a series of events commemorating the uprising and its martyrs. These included musical performances by artists such as Artcell, F Minor from the Chittagong Hill Tracts, and singer Parsha, who performed for an enthusiastic audience. A documentary film chronicling the events of the July uprising was also screened as part of the celebration.
The July Declaration, formally recognizing the martyrs of the 2021 uprising as "National Heroes," was read out by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus from the steps of the National Parliament's South Plaza. The event was a powerful cultural commemoration of the historic 2024 uprising in Bangladesh, symbolizing both remembrance and the collective aspiration for political justice and reform.
[1] "36 July Celebration: A Commemoration of the Historic 2024 Uprising in Bangladesh." The Daily Star, 5 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [2] "Do You Miss Me? Drone Show Illuminates Dhaka Sky." The Financial Express, 6 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [3] "A Night to Remember: The 36 July Celebration in Dhaka." The Dhaka Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [4] "The July Declaration: Recognizing the Martyrs of the 2021 Uprising." The Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 5 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025. [5] "A Cultural Programme to Remember: The 36 July Celebration in Dhaka." The New Age, 6 Aug. 2025. Web. 10 Aug. 2025.
- During the 36 July Celebration, social media platforms were flooded with posts and live updates about the events in Dhaka.
- The evening was also filled with discussions and debates on various social media groups and forums about the movies-and-tv broadcasts, including the documentary film on the July uprising and the musical performances, which were all part of the entertainment lineup for the day.
