Dhaka: The students of private universities played a pivotal role in the July mass uprising of 2024, propelling it into a nationwide movement. Their involvement marked a crucial turning point, catalyzing the spread of the movement from campuses to schools, colleges, and ultimately across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hasibul Hossain Shanto, a key organizer of the July mass uprising, recounted his experiences in an exclusive interview. Shanto, a student of English Language and Literature at North South University, emphasized the significant impact of private university students in challenging the then-authoritarian rule of the Awami League. Shanto, whose father was involved in politics, grew up with a keen awareness of the political landscape, which eventually led him to forge his own path in political activism.
Shanto criticized the Awami League’s governance and expressed the urgent need for foundational changes in Bangladesh. The student-led uprising provided an opportunity for such transformation. During the peak of the movement, Shanto risked his life to build resistance on Dhaka’s eastern side, highlighting the critical role played by private university students in the uprising.
Responding to questions about the rare involvement of private university students in major movements, Shanto stated that their participation in the July uprising was not sudden. The movement began as a quota reform initiative in June and escalated after an attack on students at Dhaka University by the now-banned Chhatra League on July 15. This incident prompted the movement to spread beyond public universities, eventually encompassing the entire nation.
Shanto acknowledged the general absence of political activism in private universities but emphasized that political awareness among students was nonetheless present. Once private university students joined the movement, it gained momentum and rapidly spread to other educational institutions and regions. The catalyst for their involvement was a derogatory comment made by Sheikh Hasina, which incited widespread outrage and mobilization.
Despite initial hesitations, Shanto and his peers decided to actively participate in the protests, beginning with a demonstration at Jamuna Future Park. Their actions inspired more students to join, culminating in a substantial gathering at Dhaka University. Shanto recounted the challenges faced during the uprising, including police presence and threats, but emphasized the unwavering determination of the students.
Throughout the movement, Shanto and his fellow activists relied on social media and coordination groups to organize and communicate. They faced significant opposition, including attacks from political groups and police, but remained resolute in their pursuit of change. The tragic events of July 16, which resulted in the deaths of six individuals, further galvanized the movement.
Despite the risks, Shanto continued to lead and organize protests, emphasizing the importance of a broad and sustained movement. The students’ efforts culminated in a series of demonstrations and blockades, challenging the government’s authority and calling for systemic reforms.
Shanto’s commitment to the movement was driven by a desire for genuine change in Bangladesh’s political landscape. He highlighted the importance of responsible governance and the need to address the misuse of power, advocating for a transformation of the political culture to build a new Bangladesh.