Injustice, when coupled with authoritarian arrogance, has the power to ignite a nation. This is precisely what unfolded in Bangladesh during the fateful summer of 2024. The reinstatement of a discriminatory quota system in government jobs—a stark betrayal of merit and equality—triggered an uprising that shook the regime to its core.

The quota system, long a source of frustration for the nation’s competent youth, had been abolished in 2018 after a historic student movement. Yet, six years later, in June 2024, the Hasina government made the fateful decision to reinstate the system through judicial manipulation, treating the courts as a mere extension of its power. The move sparked a firestorm of resistance, led by students, activists, and citizens who refused to accept such an affront to justice.

From the outset, the movement was driven by strategy and resolve. Islamic Chhatra Shibir emerged as a key organizer, with leaders like Zahidul Islam, Sibghatullah, S.M. Farhad, and Mohiuddin Khan actively planning and executing the resistance.

From the outset, the movement was driven by strategy and resolve. Islamic Chhatra Shibir emerged as a key organizer, with leaders like Zahidul Islam, Sibghatullah, S.M. Farhad, and Mohiuddin Khan actively planning and executing the resistance. Field leaders and coordinators worked tirelessly to ensure unity across campuses and cities. The focus, however, was never on leadership; it was on achieving the demands of the people.

The turning point came on July 14, when Dhaka University and campuses nationwide erupted in protest. The chant, "Who are you? Collaborators!" reverberated across the country. The authoritarian Hasina regime, instead of addressing the grievances, deployed its student wing, Chhatra League, to violently suppress the demonstrators. On July 15, peaceful student protests were met with unprecedented brutality, staining Dhaka University's history with blood.

Despite the attacks, the movement gained momentum. Protesters ensured treatment for the injured, organized marches, and mobilized supporters. Shibir activists coordinated press conferences and resisted attempts by Chhatra League to intimidate and dismantle the movement. Meanwhile, the nine-point demand—a manifesto calling for justice and systemic reforms—became the rallying cry for the uprising.

The nine-point manifesto, crafted by leaders including S.M. Farhad and Zahidul Islam, with input from senior figures like Ali Ahsan Junaid, was widely disseminated, defying government-imposed curfews. Private university students joined the movement in unprecedented numbers, forming resistance hubs in areas like Rampura and Badda. Their participation underscored the movement’s inclusivity and determination.

The government’s response grew increasingly desperate. Crackdowns, arrests, and disappearances became routine. Six key coordinators were detained, forcing the movement to operate from safe houses with the support of journalists and allies. Activists meticulously documented the state’s atrocities, compiling lists of the wounded and martyred. A pivotal moment came on July 27, when a press conference revealed evidence of state-sponsored violence, garnering international attention.

The resistance took on symbolic dimensions as well. On July 30, activists launched a striking campaign, wearing red cloths over their faces, a symbol of defiance that resonated across all segments of society. The movement, by this point, had grown beyond students, drawing in educators, lawyers, and professionals who joined hands to demand justice.

As the government intensified its crackdown, the movement only grew stronger. The “March for Justice” on July 31 brought people from all walks of life to the streets. Sit-ins, commemorative events for martyrs, and acts of solidarity kept the spirit of the uprising alive. The government, increasingly cornered, resorted to banning Jamaat-e-Islami and Islamic Chhatra Shibir on August 2. But the movement pressed on, rallying behind the slogan: “One demand, one goal—Hasina must resign!”

By August 4, the uprising reached its peak. At Dhaka’s Shahbagh, tens of thousands gathered, breaking government strongholds and accelerating the regime’s collapse. State forces responded with gunfire, killing over a hundred protesters. Yet, even this brutality could not extinguish the flames of resistance.

On August 6, the historic “Long March to Dhaka” saw freedom-seeking masses flood the capital. Defying all odds, protesters broke through barricades and converged at Shahbagh. By midday, the Hasina regime collapsed, with the autocratic leader fleeing the country.

The streets erupted in celebration. People offered prayers of gratitude, shared sweets, and vowed to rebuild a just and inclusive nation. Dr. Muhammad Yunus emerged as the consensus choice to lead an interim government, tasked with steering the country toward a new era of democracy and fairness.

The victory, however, came at a great cost. Hundreds had been martyred, and thousands more injured. Yet their sacrifices gave birth to a new Bangladesh—a nation united by its commitment to justice and equality. The movement, rooted in unity and resilience, had proven that even the most entrenched autocracy can crumble when faced with the collective will of the people.

Today, Bangladesh stands at the dawn of a new era, inspired by the dreams of its martyrs. The fight for justice is far from over, but the revolution has shown that when a nation rises together, change is inevitable.

Disclaimer:
This article was originally published in Daily Amar Desh and authored by Sadik Kayem, the President of Dhaka University's Shibir Wing. It has been translated and republished on Tvista with the author's consent