Dhaka: Marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising 2024, an international conference titled ‘International Conference on July Revolution- ICJR 1-2025’ was held at Dhaka University today. The conference brought together scholars and politicians from multiple countries to discuss the July Uprising from their respective national viewpoints.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized jointly by Research and Integrated Thought (RIT), a Dhaka-based think tank, and the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University, along with several other co-organizers. The daylong conference was structured into three segments: an inaugural session, paper and poster presentations, and plenary sessions.
Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan inaugurated the conference as the chief guest. Notable speakers in the opening session included Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, Editor of Amar Desh, the parents of Martyred Jahiduzzaman Tanvin, DU Pro-VC Mamun Ahmed, and former US diplomat John Danilowicz.
In the plenary session, Nurul Izzah Anwar, Deputy President of Malaysian Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), emphasized the need for economic sovereignty, worker protection, prison reforms, and safeguarding national wealth through sovereign institutions like Malaysia’s EPF and PNB. She advocated for global solidarity, responsible governance, and social media regulation to combat disinformation and polarization. “The July Revolution is not a memory-it’s a mandate. Let us rise, united in struggle, to redefine power for the marginalized,” she urged.
Speaking as a special guest, Chief Adviser’s envoy for international affairs, Dr. Lutfey Siddiqi, reflected on the sacrifices made during the uprising and discussed the interim government’s role in creating a mindset that views reform as essential and permanent. He stressed the importance of reforms to honor those who sacrificed during the uprising.
DU treasurer Prof. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury expressed concerns about the potential loss of Bangladesh’s sovereignty and the risk of it becoming a failed state. He called for rebuilding national institutions to serve the people rather than powerful individuals.
Prof. Dr. Yasin Aktay, former Deputy Chairman of Turkey’s AK Party, spoke on maintaining the spirit of revolutions and the challenges faced by Muslim countries in establishing democracy post-colonialism. He criticized foreign powers for undermining democratic movements in the Muslim world.
DU acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sayema Haque Bidisha expressed hopes to empower and mobilize the youth with knowledge and skills to build an inclusive, discrimination-free Bangladesh. Professor Amr Abdalla from the University of Peace in Costa Rica highlighted the role of youth and nonviolent resistance in the July Uprising, drawing comparisons to the Arab Spring movement.
A cultural session is scheduled for this evening at the TSC auditorium, with Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki expected to attend.