Drones Deliver Dissent: July Revolution Resistance Day Illuminates Dhaka Sky

As part of the month-long July Reawakening observances marking the anniversary of the July Uprising, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs presented a striking drone show on “18 July Private University Resistance Day” in Dhaka.

Held on Friday evening at the Hatirjheel Amphitheater, the event featured film screenings, live music, and a symbolic drone performance. Following renditions of Songs of July, over two hundred drones lit up the night sky above the water, creating luminous messages and images — reminiscent of fireflies dancing in defiance.

The drone show, themed around the July Uprising and its prelude, began with vivid renderings in red, blue, orange, and yellow, forming phrases such as “Private University” and “Public-Private, Hand in Hand; No Place for Tyranny.”

A sharp rebuke to past internet shutdowns followed, displaying the phrase “Didn’t shut it down, it shut itself down.” Alongside a tearful image of fugitive former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, another message read “Stop the drama, dear.”

The drones then traced messages reflecting grief and resistance: “Grief of losing a comrade,” “Drama by day, detentions by night,” “Knock, knock, is your child home?” and “My brother is in the grave — why is the killer free?”

In a bold political metaphor, the drones depicted Sheikh Hasina's face in the likeness of ‘Yahya,’ captioned “BAKSAL 2.0.” The following moment showed a fallen comrade being carried — the tableau titled “Bloody July.” A 30-second interlude led into a poignant closing message:
“The killer now sleeps in a Delhi paradise; the mother weeps, searching morgue to morgue.”

The final display promised justice: “Justice Will Be Served – Bangladesh 2.0.”

The program began with the national anthem and included screenings of “Heroes Without Capes: Private University in July” and “You Failed to Kill Abrar Fahad.” Musical performances came from artists Sezan, Tashfi, Sani, and bands Rapper Collective and Artcell.

The event was attended by members of the Advisory Council, senior government officials, and a large number of private university students, who gathered in solidarity and remembrance.