Drones Depict July Uprising at Dhaka's Shaheed Minar
At 10:00 PM on Monday, July 14, a fleet of 2,000 drones will take to the sky above Dhaka's Shaheed Minar to commemorate the July Uprising. Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the musical Drone Show is part of a month-long series of events aimed at reviving the memory of this pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history.
Through synchronized drone formations, the show will narrate the story of July — particularly the turning point on July 14, when female students from Dhaka University emerged in waves, breathing new life into the movement. The drones will recreate this iconic moment above the Shaheed Minar.
Jointly produced by the governments of Bangladesh and China, the drone show will unfold in two segments. The first will illustrate the sequence of events that led the nation to July, while the second will depict the dawn of the uprising on the 14th.
According to Mahmudul Haque Jihad, Public Relations Officer of Shilpakala Academy, the cultural evening, titled Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam (We Are Wild Like the Storm), will begin at 6:00 PM with the national anthem performed by vocalists from Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka University’s Department of Music, and renowned singer Sayan. Sayan will also perform several patriotic numbers including Ami-i Bangladesh, Joy Banglar, Hushiyari, Tajjab Bone Jai, Amar Naam Palestine, and Ami Julayer Golpo Bolbo.
At 6:30 PM, a documentary produced by the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be screened, followed by the films Dipak Kumar Goswami Speaking and July Bishad Sindhu.
From 7:30 PM, five participants of the July movement and three family members of martyrs will deliver speeches. At 8:00 PM, the band Ela La La will perform Songoti, Ochirjibir Prarthona, Bagher Gaan, and Neel Nirbason. Their performance will be followed by a slogan recital by the “Slogan Girls.” Then, F Minor will take the stage with songs including Alo Asbei, Mukti, Dahuk, and Meye. After another round of slogans, Parsa Mahzabeen will perform Cholo Bhule Jai, Muktir Mondir, and Mora Jhonjhar Moto Uddam. The final musical segment by Elita Karim will feature Ami Banglay Gaan Gai, Dhon Dhanyo Pushpo Bhora, Palashir Prantor, Ghure Dhao, and Bangladesh, preceded once again by slogan performances.
The highlight of the night — the grand musical Drone Show — will begin at 10:00 PM.
