The first-ever International Conference on July Revolution (ICJR 1-2025) was held at Dhaka University on Saturday, marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising 2024.
Organized jointly by Research and Integrated Thought (RIT) and DU’s Department of Political Science, the daylong event included paper presentations, poster sessions, and plenary discussions.
Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan inaugurated the conference as chief guest. DU Pro-VC Mamun Ahmed, Editor of Amar Desh Dr Mahmudur Rahman, and parents of martyred student Jahiduzzaman Tanvin also addressed the inaugural session.
Malaysian leader Nurul Izzah Anwar, Deputy President of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), spoke in the plenary session, stressing economic sovereignty, prison reform, and social media regulation. “The July Revolution is not a memory—it’s a mandate,” she said.
Dr Lutfey Siddiqi, Envoy for International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, reflected on the uprising’s impact: “The sacrifices made last year must now be translated into lasting reforms.”
DU Treasurer Prof Jahangir Alam Chowdhury warned against threats to sovereignty and urged institutional reforms. “We must rebuild our judiciary, law enforcement, and bureaucracy to serve the people,” he said.
Turkish academic Dr Yasin Aktay drew parallels with the Arab Spring and criticized Western influence in Muslim-majority nations. He called July Revolution a symbol of hope.
Acting DU VC Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha expressed hope that the event would inspire youth and help build a more inclusive Bangladesh.
Keynote speaker Dr Amr Abdalla of the University for Peace in Costa Rica emphasized nonviolent movements and the unity shown during the uprising.
A cultural programme was scheduled at TSC in the evening, with Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki expected to attend.
