Aug 04 (V7N) — Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam today said the July mass uprising is a major milestone in Bangladesh's democratic journey and a lasting symbol of people's resistance to autocracy, exploitation and undemocratic rule.
He said the historic movement has reaffirmed that no autocratic regime can survive long by ignoring public mandate, suppressing freedom of expression and relying on state repression.
He was speaking as chief guest at a seminar on "July Uprising, Bangladeshi Nationalism, and Democracy" organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium this afternoon.
Prof Obaidul Islam said history bears witness that rule sustained through oppression, economic exploitation and denial of democratic rights ultimately faces stern judgment.
"The July movement was not merely about quota reform; in course of time it became a mass uprising for fundamental human rights, justice and democracy. The spontaneous participation of students from public and private universities proved that the youth are acutely conscious about the democratic future of the country," he said.
Citing historical transitions, he said the end of British colonial rule, the fall of Pakistani rulers and the collapse of subsequent autocratic regimes prove that arrogance of power and silencing of public voice inevitably lead to failure.
"The downfall of repressive regimes — including what happened on August 5, 2024 — reflects this basic truth of history. Building a resilient state requires respect for constitutional institutions, freedom of media and dissenting voices," he added.
The seminar began with recitation from the Holy Quran, playing of the national anthem and a one-minute silence to remember the martyrs of the July mass uprising. Students who took part in the movement also shared their experiences.
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