July a month to be remembered, one year ago, on this day, the quota reform movement began gaining momentum—an event that would later transform into one of the largest mass uprisings in Bangladesh’s history.

The student-led movement, which initially demanded reforms in the government job quota system, eventually resulted in the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year-long regime, widely accused of authoritarianism. Many now refer to this uprising as a turning point for Bangladesh.

The roots of the movement can be traced back to June 5, 2024, when the High Court declared illegal a 2018 circular that had abolished the freedom fighter quota in public jobs. Following the ruling, a group of Dhaka University students gathered in front of the central library and held a protest demanding the reversal of the verdict.

On June 6, demonstrations spread to several campuses including Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, Rajshahi University, and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University. By the end of June, students had issued an ultimatum.

After a brief pause during Eid holidays, the movement regained strength on July 1. A new platform called Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was formed. They launched the "Bangla Blockade" program from Shahbagh, gradually disrupting activities across the country.

Many activists from the DU-based platform Democratic Student Force joined the movement, alongside student groups, campus activists, and general students. To ensure political neutrality, senior leaders of major student fronts were deliberately kept outside the core platform.

On the night of July 14, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commented, “If freedom fighters’ grandchildren are denied quotas, should war collaborators’ descendants benefit?” The remark sparked outrage among students, who marched late into the night and clashed with ruling party student front members for the first time.

The next day, July 15, law enforcement agencies and the banned student front allegedly attacked the demonstrators, injuring over 300 students, including severe assaults on female participants.

The protest escalated sharply on July 16. That day, police opened fire, killing Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. A video showing him being shot at close range while standing unarmed went viral, causing national outrage. According to movement coordinator Abdul Kader, this marked the turning point.

In an interview with Banglanews, Kader said, “After learning that six people were killed across the country, we held an emergency meeting. Everyone agreed—the movement had grown beyond quota demands.”

As pressure mounted, security agencies attempted to push students into talks. According to Kader, intelligence officials urged them to hold a press conference, but instead, students issued a press release blaming the government for the crisis and demanding immediate resolution.

Violence continued across the country. Protesters were reportedly attacked by police and ruling party supporters. On July 19, Abdul Kader announced a 9-point demand. As internet shutdowns and arrests of key coordinators followed, the death toll kept rising.

According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 1,450 people were killed in July and August, mostly shot by security forces. The report also holds the former Prime Minister and Home Minister directly responsible for authorizing the crackdown.

Amid mounting public anger, the protest culminated on August 3 with a one-point demand—Sheikh Hasina’s resignation—announced from the Central Shaheed Minar. On August 5, as students and citizens took control of the streets, Sheikh Hasina reportedly fled to India.

To mark the one-year anniversary, several political and social organizations have announced month-long programs.

The National Citizens’ Party will observe July with events under the theme “Marching for a New Bangladesh.” On July 16, they will organize memorials for Martyrs of Anti-Discrimination Movement and read a declaration at the Central Shaheed Minar on August 3. August 5 will be observed as Freedom Day.

The BNP has also launched a 30-day program beginning June 30, with a symbolic event at the Shaheed Minar. Their calendar includes seminars, blood donation drives, street plays, public awareness campaigns against dengue and COVID-19, and youth events.

Jamaat-e-Islami has scheduled nationwide prayers on July 1 for the injured and the martyrs. From July 2–4, food will be distributed to the poor and orphans. Between July 8–15, the party will visit victims’ families. A special memorial for Abu Sayeed is scheduled in Rangpur on July 16, and a national rally will be held on July 19 at Suhrawardy Udyan.

Other organizations like Shibir and Awakening Bangladesh (AP Bangladesh) are also holding programs to commemorate the uprising.

As the country enters July once again, memories of sacrifice and the pursuit of justice continue to inspire a new generation of citizens.

MSK/