Staff Reporter :
Speakers at the Bengal Delta Conference 2025 yesterday said that the July 2024 mass uprising has once again paved the way for democratic practice in Bangladesh, allowing the nation to move toward a peaceful and democratic transfer of power.
The two-day conference, organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA), began at Hotel InterContinental in the capital. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.
In his remarks, Hossain stressed that Bangladesh must not fall back into the old political order. “We do not want to return to the old political order. I hope the youth will remain politically aware of this matter,” he said.
Former Malaysian education minister Professor Maszlee bin Malik told the gathering that the July uprising had revived democratic culture in Bangladesh.
“The government’s dialogue with various stakeholders in decision-making is a very positive step,” he said, noting that post-uprising reforms would not only serve as a turning point for Bangladesh but also act as a litmus test for progress.
Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of Indian media outlet The Wire, observed that Bangladesh is rethinking the future of its economy. Highlighting the handling of U.S.-imposed tariffs, he said, “The way Bangladesh has dealt with the issue under the Commerce Adviser’s leadership clearly indicates a shift towards economic transformation.”
He noted that Dhaka’s recent negotiations with Washington resulted in a reduction of the tariffs to a tolerable level.
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, reflected on Bangladesh’s repeated historical struggles to build a durable democratic structure.
“Since the Liberation War, Bangladeshis have dreamt time and again at historical junctures. But every time, our new dreams were smashed because of disunity,” he said.
Referring to last year’s uprising, he added: “Once again, we have risen against autocracy and dared to dream anew. The July 24 mass uprising has begun to inspire us again.”
Former Nepalese minister Dr. Dipak Gyawali brought attention to the global dimension of Bangladesh’s democratic journey, emphasizing climate change. He said the youth of Bangladesh, who played a central role in the uprising, must also take global climate impacts seriously as they shape the vision of a new Bangladesh.
The opening day was also attended by University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan.
The Bengal Delta Conference, which concludes yesterday, has brought together politicians, academics, and civil society leaders from across South Asia to reflect on Bangladesh’s democratic transition, its economic prospects, and regional challenges.
