July revolution turning point for Global South: Foreign guests at 1st int'l conference on uprising

Photo: Courtesy

The July Uprising has emerged as a powerful symbol of liberation from colonial and authoritarian control, inspiring movements across the world, foreign politicians and human rights defenders have said. 

The uprising was a turning point not only for Bangladesh but for the Global South, they said at the first International Conference on the July Revolution, held today (27 July) at Dhaka University.

The day-long conference, jointly organised by the Department of Political Science at Dhaka University (DU) and local think tank Research and Integrated Thought, brought together representatives from 13 research bodies and civil society groups from home and abroad.

Speaking at the event, Nurul Izzah Anwar, deputy president of Malaysia's Parti Keadilan Rakyat, said, "Bangladesh's July Revolution is now inspiring nations across the world, including Malaysia and Nigeria, by showing a path towards justice and people's empowerment."

Calling the uprising a revolution that shook South Asia, she added, "Without justice, stability remains fragile. I can call you my comrades-in-struggle. The Global South must reassert its right to shape its own future."

Nurul Izzah, daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, praised the DU as a historic beacon of freedom. "This campus is older than many Malaysian universities. It has been sanctified by the blood, sweat, and ideals of freedom fighters. Today, it once again stands as a symbol of conscience and hope."

She encouraged Bangladesh to scale up local entrepreneurial efforts and microcredit programmes, such as Malaysia's Amanah Ikhtiar and the Grameen model, and to invest in inclusive, future-oriented policies.

Yasin Aktay, former deputy leader of Turkey's ruling party, likened Bangladesh's July Revolution to the Arab Spring, describing it as part of a broader effort by Muslim-majority nations to reclaim sovereignty from post-colonial power structures.

Md Saidul Islam, associate professor at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, criticised Hasina's rule for "hollowing out" democracy and turning the judiciary and media into tools of repression.

Other international guests included retired US diplomat John F Danilois.

In the inaugural session, Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman presented a keynote titled "Indian Hegemony and the July Revolution 2024". Professor Md Shariful Islam, chair of the Political Science Department and convener of the event, gave the welcome address.

'Revolution not just political, but moral'

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministries of Industries and Housing and Public Works, said the July uprising marked a moral and civic rebellion against tyranny.

"In fascist Awami rule, cruelty scarred our collective conscience. The state became a weapon against the people," he said.

He said the former regime of turning law enforcement agencies like the RAB, police, and intelligence services into "instruments of terror", where enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings became commonplace. 

He added, "This conference is not just academic; it's part of a process to recover truth from a distorted history. The cries of the disappeared and the bullet marks on university walls will one day serve as evidence in our pursuit of justice."

Lutfey Siddiqi, international affairs envoy to the chief adviser, proposed "wholesale" overhauls of the election commission, judiciary, and police to protect against future authoritarian capture, alongside "retail" reforms to improve services like visa processing, trade licensing, and land registration.

Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, said "July is a struggle. If we fail to build a collective narrative, these stories will vanish."

Syema Haque Bidisha concluded the session with a call for inclusive state-building. "We must empower youth, ensure justice, and learn from global experiences. The ideas from this conference will help shape a more just and prosperous Bangladesh."