Today (Wednesday) marks the beginning of July, as the country enters the month remembering the student-led uprising that reshaped Bangladesh's political landscape in 2024.

Since then, July has become a symbol of resistance, courage, sacrifice, and the pursuit of democratic accountability for millions of people.

The movement began in early July 2024 with demonstrations against the reinstatement of quotas in government jobs. Initially focused on quota reform, the protests rapidly evolved into a nationwide movement before facing a violent crackdown by security forces.

The situation escalated after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina made her infamous remark about the protesters on July 14, calling them "the grandchildren of Razakars" during a press briefing at Gono Bhaban after returning from a visit to China.

Later that night, Dhaka University students poured out of their dormitories chanting, "Who are you, who am I? Razakar, Razakar."

The following day, the now-banned Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, attacked protesters on the Dhaka University campus. The assault shocked the nation and drew hundreds of thousands more people into the movement.

On July 16, six protesters were killed by law enforcement agencies across the country. The killing of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, stunned the nation as images of him standing with outstretched arms in front of police spread widely online.

The killings marked a turning point. As the death toll mounted, students expanded their demands to include justice for the victims, accountability for state violence, and a formal apology from the government.

On July 18, the government imposed a nationwide internet shutdown in an attempt to quell the protests. The move backfired, drawing even more people onto the streets. Universities, colleges, and schools across the country became the epicentres of the movement.

On July 18 and 19 alone, more than 100 people were killed across the country.

Throughout July, protesters used powerful slogans, cultural performances, graffiti, and social media campaigns to amplify their demands. The movement resonated across generations, drawing professionals, workers, artists, and ordinary citizens into the demonstrations.

On August 3, Nahid Islam, now an MP and then coordinator of Students Against Discrimination, announced the historic one-point demand from the Central Shaheed Minar, calling for Sheikh Hasina's resignation and an all-out non-cooperation programme.

The protests were met with even greater violence the following day, August 4, when Awami League activists and security forces killed more than 100 peaceful protesters.

The unrest culminated on August 5, 2024, as millions joined the Students Against Discrimination's Long March to Dhaka, forcing Sheikh Hasina to flee to India.

It began as a campaign for quota reform but eventually evolved into a broader demand for democratic rights and ended with the fall of a 'fascist regime'.

It ended Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule, a period marked by allegations of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, suppression of opposition parties, and the rigging of three consecutive general elections.

An interim administration was subsequently formed under the leadership of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, marking one of the most significant political transitions in Bangladesh's recent history.

As July begins this year, Bangladesh's major political parties and student groups have launched month-long programmes to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.

The commemorations will continue through August 5 and will include rallies, memorials, cultural events, public outreach programmes, and meetings with the families of those killed and injured during the 36-day uprising.