Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the official celebration marking the 74th anniversary of Police Day on Saturday, held at the Police Academy in New Cairo, underscoring the state’s continued emphasis on security institutions and national remembrance.
Upon his arrival at the academy, President El-Sisi was received with full ceremonial honors, including the national anthem and a guard of honor review. He later laid a wreath at the Police Academy’s memorial monument, paying tribute to fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The annual Police Day celebration, observed on January 25, commemorates the historic Battle of Ismailia in 1952, when Egyptian police forces confronted British troops, resulting in the deaths of 50 policemen and injuries to more than 80 others. The confrontation is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Egypt’s modern history, helping ignite the nationalist movement that culminated in the 1952 revolution.
The main ceremony took place at the academy’s conference complex, where President El-Sisi witnessed artistic and ceremonial segments highlighting the role of the police in safeguarding national security. Among the performances was the operetta “A Nation’s Story,” featuring prominent Egyptian singers including Reham Abdel Hakim, Nesma Mahgoub, and Carmen Suleiman. The production traced key moments in Egypt’s contemporary history, blending music, narration, and visual storytelling.
During the event, the president honored a number of families of police martyrs and senior security officials, recognizing what state media described as their sacrifices and contributions to maintaining public order and stability. Such tributes have become a central feature of Police Day commemorations, reflecting the government’s narrative of resilience and institutional continuity amid regional and domestic challenges.
Police Day remains a national occasion intended to reaffirm the relationship between citizens and law enforcement, while highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s evolving role over decades that have included periods of colonial resistance, political transformation, and counterterrorism efforts. In recent years, official statements surrounding the event have emphasized modernization of police training, technological development, and expanded social services alongside traditional security functions.
The January 25 date carries layered significance in Egypt’s political memory, as it also coincides with the anniversary of the 2011 uprising. State-led commemorations in recent years have focused primarily on its historical police roots, framing the day as a symbol of sacrifice, sovereignty, and national unity.
As Egypt continues to navigate economic pressures and regional instability, the Police Day celebration serves both as a moment of remembrance and as a platform for reaffirming the state’s security priorities and its vision of internal stability anchored in strong institutions.
