Bravehearts: An homage to martyrs and survivors of the July Revolution

In the scorching summer of 2024, Bangladesh witnessed one of its most significant political upheavals as the July Revolution unfolded across the nation.

What began as a peaceful demonstration for quota reform transformed into a bloodshed moment that would forever alter the country's socio-political landscape. Between 16 July and 5 August, the uprising claimed between 700 to 1,000 lives under the Hasina regime, leaving thousands more critically injured.

Voices of the fallen

The revolution's toll touched lives across all sectors of society.

The July Revolution of 2024 remains a powerful reminder that behind every social movement are real people, real families and real dreams that deserve to be remembered and honoured

Zakir Hossain (36), a garment factory assistant production manager, left behind his last reassuring words to his mother Momena Begum during a phone call punctuated by gunfire.

Saymun (16), whose mother travelled from Sandwip to Chattogram with his favourite pitha, never returned home.

Yasin Sheikh (17), questioned why he was shot when he was not even protesting, leaving behind his mother Monjila Begum, who had raised him single-handedly since he was two years old.

Foysal Ahmed Shanto's death left an untouched study table and a grieving sister, Brishti, while Hridoy Chandra Tarua's diary entries revealed his struggles with poverty and determination to ease his family's burden.

Tanvir Ahmed Siddiqui (19), never got to complete his Higher Secondary School (SSC) examination, leaving his father, a betel leaf seller, with an unpaid education loan of Tk50,000.

The revolution claimed Sumaiya Akhter (20), struck by a stray bullet while watching helicopters from her balcony, leaving behind a 2-month-old daughter.

Shubho Sheel (24), a garment worker, was shot despite his pleas that he was merely a factory worker.

Arafat Hossain Akash (16) was killed while fetching breakfast for his younger brother.

Courageous beyond compare

Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho's final act of distributing water and biscuits to protestors exemplified the revolution's spirit.

Ramiz Uddin Roop (24) fell to bullets in the Banglamotor area, while Abul Hasan Shojon (25) lived long enough to smile at the news of the regime's fall, uttering "Alhamdulillah" as his last word.

Abu Sayeed, the youngest of nine siblings from a struggling family, was the first to attend Begum Rokeya University. He joined the quota reform movement, vital for his dreams of government service. On July 16, during protests, police open fired at him despite him standing 50-60 feet away with only a stick. In his last moments, Abu Sayeed faced the bullets with his arms spread and chest bared. The video of his death, showing raw courage against brutality, deeply moved the nation and sparked a growing sentiment among his countrymen.

The survivor's testament

The revolution's impact extended beyond the fallen. 12-year-old Md. Shahriar endured multiple gunshot wounds and five surgeries.

Afsar Hossain (12) awaits joint repair surgery until he turns 20.

Atikul Islam (19) lost his forearm but continues to inspire through TikTok videos.

Khokon Chandra Barman survived a point blank shot to his face, while Muhaimin Pulok lost his vision in his left eye while documenting the uprising.

The Business Standard's chronicle

Throughout the uprising, The Business Standard undertook the solemn responsibility of documenting these stories, ensuring that these voices would not be lost to time. Through detailed reporting, everyday updates with photographs from the most heated incidents and hotspots, personal narratives, and extensive interviews, we created a lasting testament to the human cost of social change in Bangladesh, visiting hospitals and following up with survivors and families to create a comprehensive record of the uprising's impact.

Legacy of change

The July Revolution fundamentally transformed Bangladesh's approach to student movements and social reform. The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) honoured its fallen alumni by naming facilities after Shykh Aash-Ha-Bul Yamin and Mohammad Rakibul Hasan. The uprising exposed critical gaps in Bangladesh's emergency medical care system and sparked crucial discussions about police reform and mental health support.

The government's response included both immediate compensation – the Prime Minister's provision of Tk50,000 in cash and Tk10 lakh savings certificates to some affected families and broader policy reconsideration. More significantly, the movement initiated a national dialogue about peaceful protest, civilian protection during civil unrest and systematic governance reform.

A living memorial

Today, as Bangladesh continues to evolve, these narratives serve not just as memories but as guiding lights for future generations. The stories of these martyrs – their dreams, their families' grief, and their ultimate sacrifice, stand as eternal reminders of the price of social change. Their names are now etched in the annals of Bangladesh's history, their stories a testament to the enduring spirit of those who dared to dream of a better tomorrow.

The July Revolution of 2024 remains a powerful reminder that behind every social movement are real people, real families and real dreams that deserve to be remembered and honoured. Their sacrifices continue to inspire the ongoing journey toward a more just and equitable Bangladesh.