Speakers at North South University urge structural state reforms to cement July uprising gains
The July uprising in Bangladesh represented a historic turning point that transcended the initial student-led protests against quota reforms, evolving into a widespread resistance against systemic political and social collapse that ultimately dismantled autocratic rule. Experts emphasized that to secure the movement's long-term legacy, the nation must pursue fundamental structural reforms in governance, education, and social justice.
These observations were shared on Monday during the "July Uprising 2024 Memorial" event, jointly organized by North South University (NSU) and the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation. The ceremony, held at the NSU auditorium, began with a minute of silence and special prayers to honor those who lost their lives during the upheaval, complemented by a photographic exhibition and a commemorative theme song.
Addressing the audience as the chief guest, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, political advisor to the Prime Minister and senior joint secretary general of the BNP, argued that legislative or constitutional changes alone cannot guarantee democracy. He emphasized that true democratic resilience requires a shift in political culture and a collective change in mindset. Rizvi noted that previous administrations often disregarded existing safeguards for personal power, asserting that legal frameworks are ineffective without a culture of tolerance and mutual respect among political actors. He further highlighted that a nation’s strength is anchored in its history and values, urging the country to learn from the past to protect its future.
Professor Salimullah Khan, director of NSU’s Center for Liberation War Studies, presented a keynote paper arguing that democracy must be built on the inseparable pillars of liberty and equality. He identified the failure to ensure quality primary education as a significant national shortcoming that hinders true progress. Professor Khan underscored the need to dismantle the underlying political and social structures that enable fascism, warning that the revolution will prove futile if it results only in superficial reform rather than structural transformation.
Samanta Sharmin, senior joint convener of the National Citizens' Committee, lauded the role of private university students in shaping their own political narrative. She specifically highlighted the pivotal role of women in the uprising, noting that their contributions remain insufficiently recognized within the broader historical discourse.
The event, presided over by NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and moderated by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Nechar Uddin Ahmed, also featured contributions from various stakeholders. Former NSU trustee board chairman Benazir Ahmed noted that the uprising has presented a rare opportunity for government and opposition forces to collaborate in building a non-discriminatory state. The discussion also included testimonials from faculty members and students who recounted their experiences during the movement, underscoring the deep personal and collective impact of the uprising.
