While many might not have a keen interest in politics, politics has an undeniable interest in people. The mass uprising of 2024 united the people of Bangladesh under one flag. Amid the routine highs and lows of life, this moment represented an extraordinary collective awakening.
On the night of 14 July 2024, I spent hours shooting a utopian story at Suhrawardy Udyan. Despite my exhaustion, I felt an inexplicable energy. Playing a character under the open sky, I couldn’t ignore the echoes of slogans and torchlight processions unfolding nearby. The night became a blend of fiction and reality, with the slogans—“Who are you? Who am I? Collaborator! Collaborator! Who said it? Who claimed it? Autocrat! Autocrat!”—weaving a surreal narrative around us.
This marked the beginning of a movement—not quite a revolution, but an uprising that became the collective voice of Bangladesh. It was a defiant protest against exploitation, oppression, corruption, and the erosion of freedom of speech. From the partition of 1947 through the moments of 1952, 1969, 1971, and 1990, history has seen such eruptions. However, 2024 offered an opportunity to witness a new kind of public awakening.
On July 14, students rallied around the Raju Memorial Sculpture to protest the quota system, a movement that escalated into a single-point demand under the pressure of oppressive authorities. Between July 14 and July 18, martyrs like Abu Sayeed, Faiyaz, Priyo, and Mugdha, along with thousands of others, shed their blood to protect the nation's interests. What many dismissed as a generation lost in technology proved otherwise—they reminded us of the mantra of loving our country anew.
Although I didn’t witness the mass uprisings of 1969, 1971, or 1990, the memory of 2024 remains vivid, with its spontaneous slogans, fiery songs, vibrant poetry, and creative posters, placards, and graffiti. Artists, writers, educators, laborers, journalists, parents, and even street children joined the uprising alongside ordinary citizens.
But the question remains—what did the people want from this uprising? What fueled this flood of collective resistance?
The Declaration of Independence promised equality, human dignity, and social justice, all aimed at building a secular, democratic, and free-thinking Bangladesh. However, even after 54 years, ordinary citizens have yet to enjoy these promises. Instead, autocracy has repeatedly reared its head in this land. This is why the 2024 uprising, led by students and fueled by technology, emerged as a necessary movement.
In this digital age, basic needs have evolved beyond food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare. Today, physical security, cyber security, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, voting rights, a secular society, and cultural development are all fundamental demands.
A December 2024 survey by The Post revealed that during periods of autocratic rule, approximately 2.8 trillion taka was siphoned out of the country. Recovering this stolen wealth could revolutionize agriculture, health, and education. Such reforms would ensure food sufficiency, enhance public health, and curb brain drain. Additionally, establishing public libraries across Dhaka and other divisions is critical for fostering intellectual growth.
This is how we can pave the way for a truly educated nation over the next 20 years. Cultural development and inclusivity will remain at the heart of building a secular and progressive Bangladesh.
BDST: 1313 HRS, JAN 13, 2025
