Thousands gathered in Dhaka on Tuesday to mark a year since protests ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The day featured rallies, concerts, and prayers, with interim leader Muhammad Yunus promising early elections and lasting democratic reforms, Reuters reported.

Yunus urged unity against lingering autocratic forces and said trials for last year’s violence were underway. Security was tight across the capital.

Hasina, in an open letter, denied stepping down and vowed to return. The “July Declaration,” backed by major opposition groups, will outline a path toward democratic renewal, according to Reuters.