Red profile picture campaign a result of careful planning: Democratic Student Council convener

The Red cloth on eyes and mouth along with red profile picture on social media was a result of careful planning, said Convener of Democratic Student Council's Dhaka University unit Abdul Quader.

In the final phase of the July uprising, key protest strategies were often decided after extensive discussions among youth wings of various political organisations, said Quader in a post on Facebook last night (6 July).

The now-iconic campaign of tying red cloth around the eyes and face, and turning social media profile pictures red, was born from such collaboration, he added.

He said the programme was finalised after discussions between student leaders from different political spectrums — including Sadek Kayem of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Rakib-Nasir of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

On 29 July last year, the government declared the following day a national mourning day, urging citizens to wear black badges. In response, Chhatra Dal's Nasir proposed a symbolic counter-move — wearing red badges to express resistance.

According to Abdul Quader, he along with Rakib and Nasir discussed the idea in multiple rounds with others, including direct phone calls with Sadek Kayem, who later confirmed his support after internal consultation.

Quader said, before finalising any action, a core group — consisting of himself, Masud, Rifat, and Mahin— regularly used to meet to coordinate strategies.

Group calls involving members of Chhatra Dal and Shibir were also frequent. During one such discussion, Rifat suggested covering the eyes and face with black cloth as a form of silent protest.

Quader said he then brought up Nasir's earlier idea, proposing the use of red cloth instead to differentiate the movement from the ruling party's narrative.

Mahin endorsed the red cloth concept as well, according to Quader.

After several confirmations and revisions, the final plan was set: Protesters would cover their eyes and faces with red cloth and upload matching red-themed profile pictures on Facebook.

For those without access to red cloth, a simple red profile picture was encouraged. Rifat Rashid made a public call through social media, urging citizens to join this symbolic resistance.

Additionally, Sadek Kayem advised including relevant hashtags with the red profile pictures to amplify the message.

He even provided a few suggested hashtags, which were widely circulated and adopted.

The campaign quickly gained momentum and became a digital symbol of dissent, unifying young activists across party lines in a striking show of visual solidarity.