July Revolution: A Second Liberation

A mass movement, many dead, many injured, and the ousting of some autocrats. And with that, a country came to life, feeling a sense of freedom. Of course, we won then, right?

The Bangladesh Student Movement becomes Mass Movement

On August 5, 2024, Bangladesh experienced a monumental shift in power, marking the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year reign. This historic event was the culmination of the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement and the subsequent Non-cooperation movement, both spearheaded by students. These movements successfully challenged the authoritarian regime and ignited a wave of civic engagement across the nation.

What began as a call for quota reform in government jobs rapidly evolved into a mass movement against Hasina’s increasingly autocratic rule. The government’s heavy-handed response, including internet shutdowns, curfews, and violent crackdowns by the Chhatra League (the student wing of the ruling Awami League), only fueled the flames of discontent.

Key turning points in the movement:

The “Bangla Blockade” (by the students) and subsequent Chhatra League attacks, which resulted in widespread violence and injuries.
The “Complete Shutdown,” marked by nationwide protests and further escalation of violence.
The Supreme Court’s verdict on the quota system, which, while addressing the initial demands, did little to quell the growing unrest.
The declaration of the Non-cooperation movement (AKA the one-point movement), urging citizens to actively resist the regime.

The movement’s success can be attributed to several factors:

Strategic planning and organization: The students leading the movement drew lessons from past protests and meticulously coordinated their actions nationwide.
Unity across social divisions: The movement transcended religious and ethnic lines, uniting citizens from all walks of life under a common goal.
Effective use of technology and social media: Despite government-imposed internet shutdowns, protesters utilized digital platforms to mobilize, disseminate information, and garner international support.

Massive Impact

It brought about a renewed sense of civic duty and ownership among Bangladeshis. Many expressed a feeling of belonging and responsibility towards their nation following the overthrow of the authoritarian government.
It exposed the deep-rooted corruption and crony capitalism that had plagued the nation under Hasina’s rule. This paved the way for economic and financial reforms aimed at restoring stability and promoting equitable development.
It highlighted the need for educational reform to address the shortcomings in human capital development. This included improving teacher training, enhancing learning competency, and promoting technical and vocational education to meet the needs of the economy.

The transition to a new government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has ushered in a period of cautious optimism. While challenges remain, including security concerns and the need to address the violence that occurred during the protests, there is hope for a more democratic and equitable future for Bangladesh.

However, the international narrative surrounding the movement has been marred by misinformation and attempts to destabilize the nation. Indian media, in particular, has propagated false narratives of widespread violence against Hindus, aiming to undermine the new government and sow discord among Bangladeshis. Western commentators have also engaged in neo-colonial rhetoric, downplaying the agency of the Bangladeshi people in shaping their own destiny.

The Bangladesh student movement stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of a nation striving for freedom and justice. It offers valuable lessons for other movements around the world seeking to challenge oppression and build a better future.