Thousands of Bangladeshis gared in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday for a “March for Unity,” marking five months since the student-led uprising that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The rally also honored the memory of over 1,000 lives lost during protests, which became one of the nation’s deadliest episodes since the 1971 independence war.
A Movement Born from Grievance
protests, initially sparked by opposition to public sector job quotas, rapidly grew into a nationwide movement against Hasina’s government. Unrest peaked on August 5, 2024, when violent clashes forced Hasina to resign and flee to India. Protesters stormed her official residence, culminating in a dramatic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Tuesday’s rally, organized by Students Against Discrimination (SAD), drew participants from across the country, including families of those killed in the unrest. Many carried national flags and chanted slogans demanding accountability for violence under Hasina’s administration.
“My son Shahriar, a ninth-grade student, was killed during protests,” Abul Hasan, a grieving far, told the crowd. “Our tears will never stop; this pain will never end.”
Calls for a Proclamation of Unity
SAD had initially planned to use rallies to push for amendments to Bangladesh’s 1972 constitution. However, following an announcement by the interim government on Monday, the group agreed to defer its demands.
interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, pledged to prepare a “Declaration of July Uprising.” This proclamation aims to reflect people’s aspirations and honor the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during protests.
Yunus’s office emphasized its commitment to building national consensus around the declaration, focusing on measures of unity, state reform, and broader goals of the uprising.
“We hope the declaration will be finalized soon and serve as a foundation for healing and progress,” the interim government said in a statement.
Balancing Reform and Stability
decision to seek broader consensus reflects concerns among political analysts that unilateral calls for constitutional amendments could reignite instability. Instead, the interim administration has prioritized national dialogue to chart a path forward.
The interim government, which includes two student representatives, has been tasked with restoring stability and preparing for fresh elections. This inclusive approach has been praised for recognizing the pivotal role of students in the uprising while ensuring broader representation.
A Nation’s Turning Point
July Uprising has been hailed as a defining moment in Bangladesh’s history, demonstrating the power of youth-led activism. Yet, it came at a devastating cost. Over 1,000 people lost their lives, and thousands more were wounded in protests that gripped the nation for weeks.
On Tuesday, the rally served not only as a remembrance of those sacrifices but also as a call for accountability and a vision for a united, reformed Bangladesh.
As the country moves forward under an interim government, the memory of the uprising remains a potent reminder of the resilience and determination of its people. “Proclamation of July Revolution,” once finalized, is expected to cement this legacy, serving as both a tribute to the past and a roadmap for the future.
