Dhaka: Speakers at a function here today said the July uprising in 2024 has once again paved the way for democratic practice in Bangladesh. The nation is now proceeding toward a process for transfer of power democratically, they said at the two-day Bengal Delta Conference 2025.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain attended the opening ceremony of the conference as the chief guest at Hotel InterContinental in the capital. Touhid Hossain emphasized the importance of moving away from the old political order and expressed hope that the youth would remain politically aware of this matter.
Former Education Minister of Malaysia, Professor Maszlee bin Malik, noted that the mass uprising has reinstated a democratic culture in Bangladesh. He praised the government’s dialogue with various stakeholders in decision-making as a positive step and remarked that the post-uprising reforms would not only mark a turning point for Bangladesh but also serve as a litmus test for progress.
Siddharth Varadarajan, Founding Editor of Indian media outlet The Wire, highlighted that Bangladesh is rethinking the future of its economy. He pointed out that Bangladesh’s handling of US-imposed tariffs indicates a shift towards economic transformation. Under the leadership of the Commerce Adviser, Bangladesh engaged in discussions with the United States, leading to a reduction of the tariffs to a more manageable level.
Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star, reflected on the historical aspirations of Bangladeshis since the Liberation War. He observed that the country has repeatedly failed to establish a strong institutional state structure, which has led to the collapse of those dreams. He expressed optimism that the July 24 mass uprising has reignited the nation’s aspirations to challenge autocracy and dream anew.
Former Minister of Nepal, Dr. Dipak Gyawali, addressed the issue of climate change, urging the youth of Bangladesh, who participated in the uprising, to consider the global impacts of climate change seriously as they envision a new Bangladesh.
The event also featured Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan. The two-day Bengal Delta Conference has been organized by the Dhaka Institute of Research and Analytics (DIRA).