DUCSU calls for state reform at int’l conference on July uprising

The Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) hosted the Second International Conference on July Revolution (ICJR-2, 2026) at the campus on Sunday, calling for a speedy trial of the killings during the uprising and immediate state reforms.

Academicians, researchers, human rights experts, diplomats and student leaders from home and abroad attended the day-long event at the university senate building to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 uprising.

This year, organisers set the conference theme as "The Legacy of the July Revolution 2024: Accountability, Reform and the Future of Bangladesh".

Research and Integrated Thought (RIT), Youth for Better Future Society, University of Regina in Canada, International Islamic University Chittagong and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore co-organised the event alongside DUCSU.

Member of Parliament Rokeya Begum, mother of martyr Jaber Ibrahim, expressed disappointment at the slow pace of trials during the inaugural session.

"The main demand of the martyrs' families is justice," Begum said. "We want a speedy, transparent and credible trial. At the same time, the martyrs must be given due state status and necessary reforms must be completed to implement the aspirations of July."

Former religious affairs adviser Prof AFM Khalid Hossain attended the event as the chief guest.

"To make the sacrifices of this revolution meaningful, the state must be run on the basis of justice, human dignity, people's rights and morality," Hossain said. "July is not the property of any particular party or group, it is the collective legacy of the people of Bangladesh."

Former Dhaka University vice-chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan urged citizens to reject pessimistic propaganda and trust the power of the people to advance national reconstruction.

The conference presented the “Friends of July Revolution” award to Huma Khan, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights representative on Syria, for her stand on human rights in Bangladesh.

Speaking online, Khan noted that the struggle for equality, dignity and justice continues. Retired US diplomat John Danilovich also spoke online, emphasising the preservation of the revolution's history to prevent the return of authoritarian rule.

The day-long conference featured 80 research papers across 15 panels, covering state violence, human rights violations, the participation of women and youth, and necessary constitutional reforms.

Presenters included Associate Professor Saidul Islam, Prof Syeda Sultana Razia, Assistant Professor Usama Al-Azmi and Associate Professor Takian Fakhrul.

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RIT Chairman Prof Mohammad Ismail and DUCSU Vice President Md Abu Shadik Kayem stressed the need for objective, multidimensional research to guide public policy.

DUCSU executive member Md Miftahul Hossain Al Maruf warned that fallen fascist groups are spending millions to defame the movement, promising an intellectual and political fight to protect its legacy.

In the closing declaration, RIT Executive Director Ekram Uddin joined other participants in demanding a digital archive of the uprising and effective reforms in the judiciary, police and electoral systems to build an inclusive Bangladesh.