Thousands of Bangladeshis rallied in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday at a 'March for Unity', commemorating the student-led uprising that resulted in the ousting of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and honoring the over 1,000 lives lost during the unrest. This rally was organized by the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), a group instrumental in the protests.

Initially, SAD had intended to call for amendments to the country's 1972 constitution during the event. However, this plan was put on hold after the interim government announced its intention to prepare a proclamation. SAD emphasizes that a 'Proclamation of the July Revolution' is vital to commemorate the sacrifices made by protesters and reflect the collective aspirations of the people.

Political analysts warn that attempts by students to revise the constitution may lead to further instability without broader agreement. The interim government's office, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, stated that it aims to gather national consensus on a 'Declaration of the July Uprising', which will focus on themes of unity and state reform.

During the march, participants, including students and families of deceased protesters, carried national flags and shouted slogans against Hasina's administration. “My son Shahriar, a ninth-grade student, was killed during the protests,” shared rally participant Abul Hasan, capturing the enduring pain felt by families affected by the violence.

The upheaval started in response to grievances about public sector job quotas, escalating into a widespread movement against Hasina’s rule. The protests peaked on August 5, culminating in violent clashes that forced Hasina to resign and flee to India moments before protesters stormed her official residence.

This episode marked a tumultuous period for Bangladesh, echoing the most severe violence since the nation’s independence war in 1971. In the aftermath of the unrest, a new interim government was formed to restore stability, which includes two representatives from the student movement. Yunus has indicated that elections could potentially be held by the end of 2025.

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