In every society, genuine structural transformation occurs when there is a shift in material conditions, including changes in production forces, economic structures, political elite organization, and cultural elite dynamics. The uprising in July-August 2024 was driven by revolutionary ideals, aiming for political and cultural change, improved governance, elimination of exclusionary practices, and eradication of discrimination. Despite these aspirations, the lack of preparedness among political parties, civil society, and other groups hindered the conversion of the uprising’s energy into substantial changes in the economy, politics, and other critical sectors, resulting in unchanged institutions and settlements.
Labeling the July uprising as an uprising rather than a revolution, it united individuals from various backgrounds to prevent violence against children and innocent civilians protesting peacefully, and to dismantle and rebuild the repressive structure associated with the ruling party. However, following the removal of the ruling regime, familiar establishments in culture, politics, governance, and the judiciary reemerged.
The success of the uprising is debatable. Starting as a student protest seeking better job opportunities, it escalated due to government repression, killings, and the overall political and economic suppression. Factors like limited freedom of speech, press censorship, economic hardships, and restricted dissent avenues fueled public anger. The uprising’s rapid momentum was largely propelled by social media videos exposing regime brutality.
While the uprising achieved the overthrow of the previous government and forced Sheikh Hasina to flee, it fell short of meeting people’s long-term expectations for systematic change in the repressive regime’s structure. The envisioned “Bangladesh 2.0” has not materialized with the establishment of new institutions or a justice mechanism for the sacrifice of lives during the uprising. Failures include the lack of full remembrance for the deceased and appropriate care for the injured. However, the immediate success of removing the autocrat and weakening the ruling party’s dominance has created opportunities for substantial changes.
The desire for a discrimination-free Bangladesh, reflected in the July uprising’s chants and the celebrated July Charter, must be upheld. If the charter favors the majority and powerful while excluding minorities, women, Indigenous Peoples, non-Bangalee communities, and non-Muslims, it will not be deemed inclusive. The charter must safeguard the dignity and rights of all citizens, addressing the citizenry’s demand for equal respect and rights, free from discrimination based on religion, gender, or any other grounds.
Preserving the significance of the Liberation War, pivotal to the country’s independence, is essential. Historical events like the Liberation War, Partition of 1947, and Language Movement of 1952 are foundational and should not be equated or undermined. Upholding these historical truths, acknowledging the sacrifices made for freedom and equality, and protecting human rights achievements are paramount.
Dr. Samina Luthfa is a sociology professor at Dhaka University. The opinions expressed in this piece are solely the author’s views. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for expert opinions, commentaries, and analyses. For article submissions, refer to The Daily Star Opinion’s guidelines.