The July 2024 Uprising marked a decisive rupture in Bangladesh’s political order. Beginning as student demands for quota reform, it quickly escalated into a nationwide challenge to the Awami League regime, ultimately leading to its collapse under pressure from students, the urban precariat, and industrial workers. Beyond explanations of regime hubris, the uprising reflected deep-rooted political inequalities, dynastic politics, clientelism, and exclusionary governance, which shaped differential mobilization capacities. Students provided organizational leadership, while marginalized urban and industrial groups supplied scale and strategic leverage. Collective action shifted from reformist demands to a direct challenge to state authority, enabled by cross-class solidarities, recalibrated risk perceptions, and digital networks. The uprising highlights how localized grievances can spark systemic change, opening space for democratic reimagining while exposing transitional fragilities.
Authors: Hassan, Dr. Mirza M.; Ahsan, Inteemum; Ananna, Rabeena Sultana; Antara, Iffat Jahan; Aziz, Syeda Salina; Nazneen, Dr. Sohela; Proma, Aishwarya Sanjukta Roy; Rahman, Sadiur; Shahan, Dr. Asif; Sultan, Maheen.
Type: Report
Year: 2026
