Thousands of Bangladeshis marched in a “Unity March” in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday to commemorate the student-led uprising five months ago that led to the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and remember the more than 1,000 dead. in violence.
The group Students Against Discrimination (SAD), which led the protests, abandoned a plan to call for changes to the country’s 1972 constitution at the demonstration, after the interim government announced on Monday that it would prepare a proclamation.
SAD says a “July Revolution Proclamation” is essential to honor the sacrifice of protesters who were killed or injured, and to serve as a document reflecting the aspirations of the people. Some political analysts had expressed concern that there could be new instability if students sought changes to the constitution without a broader consensus.
The press office of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who heads the interim government, said he would seek a national consensus on a “July Uprising Declaration”, focusing on unity, state reform and the broader goals of the lifting. He expressed hope that a statement would be finalized soon.
Groups of students arrived today from all over the country and families of those killed in the riots also joined the demonstration. They carried the national flag and chanted slogans against Hasina.
“My son Shahriar, a ninth grade student, was murdered [during the protests]“Abul Hasan said at the rally. “Our tears will never stop, this pain will never end.”
The protests were initially sparked by opposition to public sector employment quotas. What began as a student-led movement quickly morphed into a broader national uprising against Hasina’s government.
The unrest peaked on August 5, when violence forced Hasina to resign and flee to India, just before protesters stormed her official residence. More than 1,000 people died during the protests, marking the country’s deadliest period since its 1971 war of independence.
An interim government was formed, charged with restoring stability and preparing elections. The interim administration includes two student representatives. Yunus has said elections could be held by the end of 2025.
