The July Movement will forever stand as a poignant chapter in the history of Bangladesh, etched in sorrow and sacrifice. This movement, marked by the loss of approximately 1,500 lives and the crippling injuries of over 30,000 individuals, emerged from the demand to abolish the quota system in government jobs. Although quotas were officially abolished in 2018, a High Court writ in 2024 reinstated the system, sparking widespread outrage, particularly among students of Dhaka University. The anti-discrimination student movement, gaining momentum from July 1, faced brutal suppression when government-backed BCL students attacked demonstrators on July 15, leaving thousands injured. The violence ignited solidarity across the nation, with students from all educational institutions rallying on the streets. On July 17, the government attempted to stifle dissent by shutting down universities, but the movement persisted. Internet services were cut on July 18, and law enforcement unleashed brutality, claiming countless lives, including martyrs like Abu Saeed and Mir Mugdho. Despite these atrocities, the resilience of the students forced the government to reform the quota system. However, demands for justice escalated, culminating in the departure of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5. This movement hailed as Bangladesh’s second liberation, demonstrated the transformative power of Generation Z’s unwavering spirit and sacrifice.
