Activists call for sustained unity to fulfill objectives of Bangladesh July uprising
Photo Collected
Economist Anu Muhammad called for national unity on Sunday, urging students, educators, labor groups, and cultural figures to sustain the momentum of the July mass uprising to fully realize its democratic aspirations. Speaking at a rally at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar to mark the second anniversary of the “Drohojatra” (March of Rebellion), Muhammad emphasized that despite the end of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime, the fight for fundamental rights remains unfinished.
The anniversary event served as a platform to present a six-point charter of demands intended to reshape the nation’s political and social landscape. These demands include the swift prosecution of those responsible for the July killings, the cancellation of national interest-infringing treaties such as those with the United States, and the protection of ethnic, religious, and gender rights. The participants also called for the establishment of a national minimum wage, the cessation of environmentally destructive development projects, and the prioritization of education, healthcare, and employment as core components of national security.
The demonstration began at the National Press Club and concluded at the Central Shaheed Minar, where participants observed a minute of silence to honor those killed during the 2024 uprising. Addressing the crowd, Anu Muhammad noted that while the fall of the former government allowed for the restoration of voting rights, public interests continue to face systemic threats. He warned that authoritarian impulses and intolerance toward dissenting views have resurfaced, necessitating a continued, organized movement to protect the democratic gains won by the people.
Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan, father of Farhan Faiyaz, a student killed during the protests, joined the call to action, pleading with the public to ensure that the sacrifice of over 1,500 lives does not go in vain. His sentiment was echoed by various activists and scholars, including Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Abdullah Kafi Ratan and members of the Teachers’ Network.
The rally integrated political discourse with cultural resistance, featuring poetry recitations, theatrical performances by the Bibartan Cultural Group, and musical tributes dedicated to the memory of the martyrs. The event underscored the resolve of the participants to maintain the spirit of the uprising, which had successfully defied curfews and state intimidation to bring about political change.
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