The anniversary of the Monsoon Revolution brought crowds to Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka on Tuesday, focusing attention on the July Declaration and the road to the next parliamentary election.
Yet, the government’s declaration has become a point of friction. While it formally recognized the revolutionaries, its timing and clarity left many within the movement deeply divided.
The reaction was split right down the middle: some called it progress, others called it vague.
Arguments aside, everyone there agreed on what was most critical. The bottom line was ensuring the upcoming election was legitimate. They insisted on a system that was honest, unbiased, and carefully overseen.
Jaber, a resident of Comilla, said the declaration felt overdue.
“The interim government was formed on August 8, 2024, and we submitted our memorandum on August 12. It should’ve come sooner,” he said. “Since it was finally given on the anniversary, we remain hopeful.”
He also noted that not all demands were met. “I’m optimistic because it mentions that a future elected government will pass a bill for full recognition,” he said. “But the declaration doesn’t clearly protect the revolutionaries from being labeled extremists later.”
Farhana Aktar, a State University student, shared a similar view.
“With the July Declaration, half of my expectations have been fulfilled. The rest depends on action,” she said. “Words are not enough.”
Her main point was simple: the next election absolutely has to be fair and peaceful. “People should vote for who they believe in. Don’t block roads or pressure anyone. Feed the hungry instead of hanging banners, and voters will respond,” she added.
Md Shaharul Islam from Motijheel said law and order had improved under the interim government, while Nayeem of Mirpur 10 urged that parliamentary elections be held soon for the country to move forward.
Also Read: BNP and Jamaat Join July Declaration as Leftist Parties Boycott Over Transparency
Ask anyone there, and they’ll likely tell you that Professor Muhammad Yunus was the one who stopped things from getting ugly. One Chhatra Dal activist from Tangail, a guy named Asif, put it plainly: they were in for a world of hurt if Yunus hadn’t been there. He just wants to see everyone get on the same page and finally create a Bangladesh that isn’t under a dictator’s thumb.
Others, like Jawad Islam Khan of BUBT, focused on honoring those who died during the Monsoon Revolution. “The way the martyrs and injured were given social dignity is praiseworthy. We want the election process to be prepared properly before voting,” he said.
For Abiu Hanif from Demra, the day was about both recognition and progress. “We played a role in this movement. Prices of essentials are stable now, and the country is on the right path,” he said.
As the anniversary ended, the message from the crowd was clear: recognition matters, but actions and a credible election will define the next chapter for Bangladesh.
