ActionAid Bangladesh marks first anniversary of July uprising

One year since the people of Bangladesh, led by brave and unyielding young people, stood up and demanded justice. The July Uprising of 2024 was a defining landmark in the nation's history. On 5th August 2024, the student–people's movement brought about change, but at a huge cost. Many lives were sacrificed. We remember each of them today with deep respect and gratitude. They dreamt of a just and inclusive Bangladesh. We strongly urge them to take action to build a fair, just, and inclusive Bangladesh for which many fought from 1971 to 2024.

Justice, freedom of speech, accountability, and a country where everyone has equal rights and opportunities were central to the call for reforms.

We have witnessed young people rise to leadership and take part in shaping the country's future, as we also recognise that we are not where we dreamt of being. Institutional reform, structural change, and behavioural change will be critical going forward. This requires women and the marginalised to amplify their voices, participate, and shape Bangladesh. Reforms in key areas are slow. We need to prioritise the hopes of the young people who stood up last year. They must not be forgotten or ignored.

At ActionAid Bangladesh, we believe in people's power to lead change. We are working for a society where every citizen has the right to participate and live with dignity. A recent study with SANEM highlighted a hopeful picture: young people felt disillusioned, but they had not given up. They seek reform, not empty promises. Above all, they want to be heard. And to the young people of Bangladesh, we see you, we stand with you, and we believe in your dreams. Keep going. Keep building. The future is yours to shape.

Today, we call on the government, political parties, and all leaders to listen to the voices of the people, especially the youth and women.