July Revolution is the name of spirit and heart of Bangladesh

Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :

The July Revolution 2024 is a significant matter in our national life. It is my pleasure and pride to take an attempt to present a brief feature report on the July Revolution, which we may call it as the Bulletin of the July Revolution. In this bulletin, the background, historical significance, goals and objectives, lessons, successes, the post-revolution government’s attitude, and its duties and responsibilities have been outlined. The July Revolution was primarily a student-led mass movement, which was later recognised as a people-oriented revolution. It originated from anti quota-based discrimination issue, which in turn reflected the deprivation experienced by students, workers, farmers, irrespective of people of many other different classes. In that sense, the July Revolution can be aptly termed a people’s revolution. Initially, it began as a student movement against the quota system, but it soon transformed into a broader anti-discrimination movement involving various professional and social groups. This revolution, through the participation of various sections of society, ensured the downfall of authoritarian rule. At its core, the July Revolution sought the fall of autocracy and the resurgence of democracy. Motivated by conscience, the general public joined the struggle. In essence, the main objective of this movement was the liberation of the masses and the establishment of peoples’ sovereignty. The historical significance of the July Revolution lies in its mission to eliminate the inequality and social divisions caused by discrimination. Events occur in every era and in every part of the world, but only those events that achieve timeless and universal relevance may be defined as truly historic. By that definition, the July Revolution 2024 is undoubtedly historic.
The original anti-quota movement in Bangladesh began in January 2018, driven by students demanding reform of the quota system in government jobs. A resurgence of this movement occurred in 2024, following a pivotal court decision on June 5. The court declared illegal a government circular that had canceled the freedom fighter quota in grades 9 to 13 across public, autonomous, and semi-autonomous institutions. This verdict reinstated the quota, prompting students to launch a fresh wave of protests. Beginning on July 1, 2024, the movement rapidly gained momentum. Initially it was peaceful, it turned to violence on July 15 as clashes intensified. In an effort to suppress the unrest, the government shut down internet services nationwide on July 17, affecting online media and communication. The situation escalated further, and on August 1, the political activities of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing Shibir were officially banned. On August 3, from the symbolic grounds of the Central Shaheed Minar, the uprising leaders issued a one-point demand namely the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A long march was announced on August 4, and just a day later, on August 5, Prime Minister Hasina resigned and left the country. The movement, though victorious, came at a great cost-nearly 1,000 unarmed students and civilians lost their lives, with thousands more injured. Following her resignation, the country erupted in celebration. Citizens from all walks of life took to the streets, united in joy and hope. In a historic move, Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus once a target of political repression-was appointed head of the interim government. His leadership marks a new chapter in Bangladesh’s quest for democracy. However, challenges remain. After July uprising, all the systems and state run machineries found to be dysfunctional and obsolete. So there was a need of swift institutional reforms and the urgent preparation for a free, fair, and peaceful national election. The student-led movement has regenerated hope for democratic rebirth. But the realities are questioned. Will there be the delivery of justice to martyrs and will the working class finally achieve peace and dignity?
There remains scope to analyse and evaluate the extent to which the July Revolution has succeeded or failed. Such evaluations may be refined over time and will eventually elevate the significance of the July Revolution. The success of any revolution or movement depends on the sacrifices made for the benefit of the majority, the strengthening of democratic structures, and the institutionalisation of justice and equality as the fruits of revolution. In this sense, the July Revolution must be recognised as a successful one. It has ensured the victory of the majority’s interests and overthrown an authoritarian government that represented a self-serving elite. Thus, it is undoubtedly a successful revolution. However, while a new government has been formed, uncertainty and confusion remain among the public regarding the post-revolution government’s direction, the people’s attitude toward the revolution, neighbouring countries’ responses, and the political ideologies of local leaders. The government must not, under any circumstances, adopt a policy of indifference toward resolving this confusion. Every major revolution brings immense pressure on a country’s socioeconomic structure. Society becomes fragile and unstable. To overcome this instability and return to a safe, healthy, and normal state, various initiatives must be taken. The people must not be subjected again to repression, corruption, slander, humiliation, or inhumane suffering. The recurrence of such national crises must be prevented. The government must take all possible practical and responsible steps to ensure this.
Finally, we feel that Dr. Yunus’ interim government will be able to resolve the crisis that has gripped Bangladesh. We are confident that under his professional and skillful leadership, the nation will heal from its pain. Finally, with the flag of a peaceful and humane Bangladesh flying high, a new road of progress will be revealed – and this is the expectation and submission of our people to the interim government.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar and VDP).