KATHMANDU, AUGUST 6 The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu on Wednesday observed July Mass Uprising Day, commemorating the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising in Bangladesh with a memorial programme attended by diplomats, academics and members of the Bangladeshi community. The event began with a minute of silence in memory of those who lost their lives during the uprising, followed by the reading of messages from Bangladesh's President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Documentary films on the 2024 mass uprising were screened, and a special prayer was offered in honour of the victims. Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Bangladesh, Professor Dr A S M Amanullah, attended the programme as chief guest, while SAARC Secretary General Ambassador Md Golam Sarwar was the special guest. Representatives from the SAARC Secretariat, ICIMOD, civil society organisations, think tanks and Nepali youth also participated. Addressing the gathering, Prof Amanullah reflected on his personal experiences during the July Mass Uprising and described it as a movement that united people across age, religion and social backgrounds. He stressed the importance of preserving democratic processes, strengthening public institutions and drawing lessons from the youth-led movement. He also expressed interest in expanding academic cooperation with South Asian countries, including Nepal, through research and innovation. Ambassador Sarwar highlighted the need to promote good governance, uphold people's rights and dignity, and strengthen regional cooperation among SAARC member states in line with the aspirations of the July Mass Uprising. In his concluding remarks, Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman described the July Mass Uprising as a defining moment in Bangladesh's democratic journey, reflecting the people's aspirations for accountable governance, the rule of law and equal opportunities. He said the country's current development agenda places citizens' welfare at the centre of policymaking and expressed confidence that Bangladesh would continue advancing towards the goals envisioned by those who sacrificed their lives during the movement. The programme concluded with participants paying tribute to those who were killed or injured during the uprising, followed by a luncheon hosted by the embassy.