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Scientific Research
Scientific Research
The Justice for Humanity team conducted an in-depth online survey to explore the contributions, motivations, and participation of women in Bangladesh’s historic July Revolution of 2024. Based on the findings, the team authored a scientific research article analyzing the pivotal role women played in this transformative movement.
An abstract of the study was showcased as a poster presentation titled:
“From Protest to Revolution: Women’s Participation and Motivation in the July Revolution 2024 in Bangladesh”
at the 1st International Conference on the July Revolution (ICJR-I 2025).
The poster presentation achieved the highest honour, the Platinum Award in the combined poster category, surpassing other distinctions such as Gold and Silver. This recognition highlights both the academic value of the research and the historic significance of women’s contributions to the revolution.
The abstract of this study is provided below:
From Protest to Revolution: Women’s Participation and Motivation in the July Revolution 2024 in Bangladesh
Sirajum Muniraa*, Tachlima Chowdhuryb, Nishat Tasnimc, Mofizul Islamd
a Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
b Department of Health Research Methods Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Canada
c Department of Political Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
d Justice for Humanity, Canada
* Corresponding author, email address: sirajum.munira@usask.ca
Abstract
The July Revolution 2024 in Bangladesh marks a defining moment in the country’s history, sparked by a controversial statement from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On July 14, 2024, Hasina labelled the peaceful student protesters demanding reform of the government job quota system as “Rajakar” (a derogatory term historically associated with traitors during the 1971 Liberation War). This remark is deeply offensive and sparked outrage. Female students from the Dhaka University residence showed an immediate and powerful response by protesting in the middle of the night, came out to the street chanting “Tumi Ke? Ami Ke? Rajakar! Rajakar! Ke Boleche? Ke Boleche? Soirachar! Soirachar!” (“Who are you? Who am I? Rajakar, Rajakar! Who said it…Dictator! Dictator!”). The following day, Bangladesh Awami League’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), violently attacked the protesters in the streets of Dhaka. However, the most potent part of that violence was that they brutally hurt female students. Immediately, the injured female students’ pictures spread on social media, which caused widespread public outrage across the nation. The situation escalated further with the killing of unarmed protester Abu Sayed on July 16, which became a pivotal moment for the movement and escalated into a nationwide uprising, which eventually turned the Quota Reform Movement into an anti-Fascist Movement now known as the July Revolution.
However, based on the information available, there is currently no scientifically evidence-based documentation specifically addressing the role of women in the July Revolution of 2024. This gap highlights the urgent need to record and analyze women's participation as a vital part of Bangladesh’s historical narrative for both present and future generations.
This study explores the motivations, roles, and lived experiences of women who participated in the revolution, drawing on a comprehensive online survey of 210 individuals. Among them, 172 were women, 55% of whom identified as mothers. The demographic profile of respondents reveals that 95% were between the ages of 18 and 54, with 42% identifying as students. While the majority (83%) resided in Bangladesh predominantly in urban areas (73%) a significant portion (17%) were members of the diaspora, indicating the global resonance of the movement.
The primary motivations for participation were deeply rooted in a collective rejection of authoritarianism and human rights abuses (49%), a demand for democratic rights and accountability (20%), and opposition to the discriminatory job quota system (18%). On a separate question about whether gender equity was the sole reason to participate in the revolution, only 1% of respondents reported gender equity as their sole motivation; 32% identified it as one of several factors.
Women's participation was multidimensional in the revolution: 41% reported direct involvement in street protests, while 45% contributed through direct support, such as logistical support, resource mobilization, Graffiti, and awareness campaigns. These findings highlight their multifaceted central role in shaping the trajectory of the movement.
Notably, 49% of women wore hijab or niqab or burqa during protests, and 8% did so specifically for personal safety and protection, despite not wearing it regularly. Visually identifying Muslim women with hijab, niqab, or burka typically avoids such public activism. However, the July Revolution dismantled the long-standing traditional social taboo, revealing an emergent political consciousness among women across diverse groups.
Digital platforms played a critical role in the mobilization and coordination of the movement; social media, particularly (Facebook, Messenger, and YouTube), emerged as the primary sources of information and solidarity-building.
A significant number of women (35%) reported experiencing harassment, threats, or social backlash due to their involvement. The revolution also had a profound impact on daily life: 85% of respondents reported disruptions; of these 40% cited major mental or physical health effects. Despite the movement’s momentum, women faced considerable challenges: 27% reported encountering significant obstacles and 62% experienced some form of difficulty. Concerns about personal and family safety were widespread, with 78% of respondents expressing fear of personal and family safety, and 77% taking active precautions to avoid harassment and protect their identities and digital footprints.
According to participants, the emotional and symbolic turning points of the revolution were marked by the labelling of students as 'Rajakar,' the brutal attacks on girls and women by the BCL, and finally the tipping point of the deaths of unarmed protesters, including Abu Sayed, Mugdho, Yamin, and Fayaz.
In assessing the outcomes of the revolution, respondents expressed mixed opinions. Regarding the performance of the interim government that followed, 16% rated it as excellent, 46% as good, 28% as satisfactory, and 16% as poor. While 63% believed that the country was progressing in alignment with the spirit of the revolution, 27% expressed skepticism or disappointment. Findings on the most significant personal outcomes of the July Revolution revealed that 44% of participants experienced increased political awareness, 25% observed stronger community bonds, and 23% felt disillusioned with the lack of tangible changes.
Importantly, the revolution appears to have created a long-lasting sense of civic engagement: 66% of respondents indicated a willingness to participate in similar movements in the future. This finding suggests that, despite the risks and setbacks, the July Revolution succeeded in cultivating political awareness and resiliency, particularly among women, whose voices and leadership were instrumental throughout the uprising.
This study contributes to the literature on women’s role in political resistance in South Asia by centering the experiences in a major democratic movement. It underscores the importance of documenting grassroots participation, especially in contexts where visually identifying Muslim women’s contributions are often overlooked or minimized. The findings reveal that women were not only present but pivotal in shaping the July Revolution’s direction.
In conclusion, the July Revolution of 2024 was not merely a protest against a flawed quota system; it was a broader struggle for dignity, justice, and democratic rights. Women stood at the forefront of this struggle, demanding a Bangladesh that is free from corruption, discrimination, and political violence. Their vision is one of a peaceful, inclusive, tolerant, and progressive nation, and their participation in the revolution marks a significant step toward realizing that future.
Key words: July Revolution 2024, Justice, Women’s Political Participation, Bangladesh Student Movement
17 July 2024: Solidarity with the Quota Reform Movement
17 July 2024: Solidarity with the Quota Reform Movement
We, Justice for Humanity, are at the University of Saskatchewan, in solidarity with the Quota Reform Movement in Bangladesh on 17 July 2024.
Organized by the University of Saskatchewan Bangladeshi Student Association and Bangladeshi community members!
20 July 2024: Save Bangladeshi Students Protest
20 July 2024: Save Bangladeshi Students Protest
On 20 July 2024, Justice for Humanity team organized the “Save Bangladeshi Students” protest at Saskatoon City Hall in collaboration with our community members. The demonstration was a show of solidarity with the Bangladeshi Quota Reform Movement.
We refused to remain silent while Bangladeshi students risked and sacrificed their lives for their fundamental rights.
We stood united, raising our voices loud and clear against brutality and injustice.
Volunteers are making posters
Our little activist
25 July 2025: Student Lives Matter
25 July 2025: Student Lives Matter
We organized a "Student Lives Matter" solidarity and protest event on 25 July 2025 in Saskatoon (8th Street - Parking lot of Winners/Staples) to stand firmly against oppression and human rights violations in Bangladesh. We raised our voices against injustice, demanding severe punishment for those responsible for killing hundreds of unarmed students and abducting the student coordinators.
We showed our gratitude to the Saskatoon police authorities, CTV News, and Professor Dr. Cara Mcllduf for standing in solidarity with us.
3 August 2024: March for Justice
3 August 2024: March for Justice
On August 3, 2024, as the sun dipped behind the prairie skyline, a crowd began to gather on the quiet streets of Saskatoon, thousands of kilometres away from the unrest shaking Bangladesh. This was not just another summer evening. It was a moment of resistance, of hope, and unity.
Organized by Justice for Humanity, the "March for Justice" brought together Bangladeshi-Canadians, students, families, and allies to stand in solidarity with the brave students in Bangladesh in support of their one-point demand: the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Placards were raised. Slogans filled the air. But this was not performative. This was deeply personal.
“In shaa Allah, see you at 5 PM. Stand by your country in this critical hour. There will be more summers to enjoy, more trips to take—but this moment may not return.”
That was the call. And people responded. Some came rushing from work. Others brought their children. One brother quietly went around offering water bottles to attendees, gently asking, “Does anyone need water?” That simple act of kindness brought tears to more than a few eyes. It reminded us of Mir Mugdho and many of the 1971 stories passed down, of collecting bread from village homes, plucking coconuts to feed freedom fighters, sheltering them without question.
In 2024, that same spirit was alive, this time in the heart of Canada. Some protestors had to lean on wheelchairs or walking sticks, but they came. Because standing by in silence was not an option.
“We feel so far away from Bangladesh, yet so painfully connected. Sometimes it feels like we could just run to the streets of Dhaka if we could.”
This gathering, 11,399 kilometers from Bangladesh, was more than symbolic. It was a declaration: We see you. We hear you. And we will not stay silent.
As the event came to a close, a quiet prayer echoed from many hearts, for those bleeding in the streets back home, for those disappeared, and for those who refuse to give up.
Victory, in shaa Allah, will come.
From Saskatoon to Dhaka, the road to justice is long, but we are walking it together.
5 August 2024: Victory Rally - Celebrating a Historic Triumph of Bangladesh!
5 August 2024: Victory Rally - Celebrating a Historic Triumph of Bangladesh!
On August 5, 2024, the Justice for Humanity team organized a powerful Victory Rally in Saskatoon, marking a significant moment in global solidarity. The event, titled “Celebrating a Historic Triumph of Bangladesh!”, brought together hundreds of community members to honour the fall of the Hasina regime and the victorious student movement that led to this historic shift.
The rally served as both a celebration and a tribute to the courageous students in Bangladesh who stood up against oppression, many sacrificing their lives. Through open discussions, speeches, and vibrant displays of unity, participants reaffirmed their support for a brighter, just future for Bangladesh.
Justice for Humanity extends its heartfelt thanks to all who joined and supported this meaningful event. The victory in Bangladesh is not just a national achievement—it is a global inspiration.
6 August 2024: Interview with CBC Radio
6 August 2024: Interview with CBC Radio
CBC Radio Interviews Dr. Sirajum Munira on Bangladesh’s Historic Turning Point: A Moment of Hope, Relief, and Renewed Responsibility
August 6, 2024 — Saskatoon, Canada
A day after the dramatic fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime in Bangladesh, Canadian national broadcaster CBC Radio sat down with Dr. Sirajum Munira, an organizer with the Justice for Humanity team in Saskatoon, to discuss how the Bangladeshi diaspora is reacting to the unfolding events back home.
The interview, aired across the country, offered a deeply personal and political reflection on a turning point in Bangladesh’s modern history, the ousting and subsequent fleeing of Sheikh Hasina to India on August 5, ending her decades-long rule marked by repression, election rigging, and widespread human rights violations.
A Historic Day for Bangladesh
In her interview, Dr. Munira described August 5 as “a day etched into the collective memory of a nation”. It marked the culmination of months of student-led protests, mass mobilizations, and civil resistance against a regime widely accused of election manipulation, extrajudicial killings, media censorship, and the weaponization of law enforcement.
"The people of Bangladesh have spoken," Dr. Munira said. "And this time, the world listened."
As news broke of Hasina’s resignation and the collapse of her regime, celebrations erupted across Bangladesh, from university campuses to village squares. Meanwhile, in cities like Saskatoon, members of the Bangladeshi community held spontaneous gatherings, exchanged sweets, and organized victory rallies, including the one held by Justice for Humanity on 8th Street.
Voices from the Diaspora
CBC Radio’s conversation with Dr. Munira explored how the diaspora, particularly in Canada, has played a vital role in amplifying the voices of protestors in Bangladesh. Dr. Munira shared how Bangladeshi Canadians wrote op-eds, organized rallies, lobbied MPs, and worked with international human rights groups to bring attention to the regime’s abuses.
"We never gave up hope,” she said. “Even though we were physically far, we were emotionally and politically very close to what was happening in Bangladesh. We saw the bravery of the young people standing up against a brutal regime, and we knew we had to stand with them.”
The Fall of a Tyrant
When asked about the significance of Hasina’s escape to India, Dr. Munira didn’t mince words. “Her fleeing the country is not just a political event; it is a symbolic collapse of fear. The culture of impunity she built for herself and her loyalists is finally cracking.”
She emphasized that while her removal brings relief to millions, it also opens a new chapter for Bangladesh, one that must be written carefully.
A Time for Rebuilding
“The fall of a dictator is not the end, it’s the beginning,” Dr. Munira told CBC listeners. She cautioned that while celebrations are justified, the people of Bangladesh must now take charge of building democratic institutions, ensuring accountability, and protecting the rights and dignity of every citizen.
“There are families still mourning. There are activists still missing. There are wounds that run deep. Justice must be done. But it must be done with wisdom, not vengeance,” she said.
Hope on the Horizon
For the Bangladeshi community in Saskatoon and across the globe, this historic moment is filled with hope and a sense of renewed responsibility.
“The spirit of Shahbagh, the dreams of the disappeared, and the courage of students in 2024 have gifted us this moment,” Dr. Munira concluded. “Now, it’s up to the people to protect it.”
Justice for Humanity continues to advocate for a just and democratic Bangladesh, calling on the international community to support the nation in its transitional phase. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the fight for freedom may have won a major battle, but the journey toward justice has only just begun.
2 August 2025: Remembering 36 July
2 August 2025: Remembering 36 July
A year has passed since the July uprising of 2024 in Bangladesh, and time truly flies. Our memories remain fresh of standing united against injustice here in Saskatoon, showing our solidarity with the righteous public demand.
We salute our July heroes: the martyrs and injured individuals who inspired the nation and made the ultimate sacrifice, their lives and blood, for regime change on July 36, 2024. To honour their memory, Justice for Humanity is hosting the "Remembering 36 July 36" program in Saskatoon.
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