Bangladeshis exhibited a striking act of digital resistance by changing the appearance of their social media profiles to a uniform red colour on 30 July 2024. This striking movement emerged in response to brutal state violence during peaceful protests demanding reforms to a discriminatory quota system. The red has become a potent symbol of resistance and solidarity, echoing the words of the poet Maya Angelou, who famously said, “I rise, I rise, I rise.” What began as a call for fairer job opportunities has evolved into a broader rebellion against governmental oppression, illustrating the intersection of human rights and technology and showcasing how social media can amplify calls for justice and reform.

The student’s choice of red, in defiance of the government’s suggestion to wear black mourning badges, is a powerful and intentional statement. Red, a colour long associated with revolution and defiance, has turned social media into a vibrant canvas of dissent. Participants shared images of themselves cloaked in red, their faces partially obscured, and used hashtags to communicate their profound demands for justice. This visual act of solidarity not only highlights the emotional and psychological impact of state violence on the youth but also echoes the powerful lyrics of “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke: “It’s been a long, a long time coming, but I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will.” This anthem of hope and resilience underscores the strength of collective action and the relentless pursuit of justice and change.

Nonviolent Resistance

Globally, this digital revolt aligns with a broader trend where social media serves as a crucial tool for resistance against authoritarian regimes. Movements like the Arab Spring and Nigeria’s #EndSARS protests have demonstrated how online platforms can galvanise collective action and challenge systemic injustices. The crimson tide sweeping through Bangladesh represents more than a reaction to isolated incidents; it is a broader call for systemic reform and an end to discriminatory practices. This movement echoes the sentiment of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “It always seems impossible until it's done.” It embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of digital activism in advancing human rights and societal change.

If we examine the uprising through a philosophical lens, it embodies principles of civil disobedience and personal integrity, reflecting the belief that collective action is crucial for societal advancement. This perspective resonates with the ideas of John Stuart Mill, who argued in “On Liberty” that “The only freedom which deserves the name is that of pursuing our own good in our own way.” However, the movement also underscores the inherent conflict between these ideals and the entrenched power structures it seeks to challenge. While the goal is genuine reform, it highlights the philosophical dilemma of confronting systemic injustices without exacerbating existing conflicts. In this sense, the uprising navigates the nuanced interplay between idealistic justice and pragmatic activism, reminiscent of Friedrich Nietzsche’s assertion: “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”

Human rights considerations are central to this movement, revealing both the power and peril of digital activism. On the one hand, the uprising underscores fundamental rights such as peaceful protest and freedom of expression, as activists use social media to demand accountability and reform. On the other hand, it exposes the risks faced by those advocating for change in a repressive environment, including potential government retaliation, censorship and violence. This duality reflects the broader challenges of defending human rights in a digital age, where the vulnerabilities activists match the power to mobilise may face. As Martin Luther King Jr. powerfully stated, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

In essence, the Red Uprising exemplifies the power of peaceful, non-violent protest as a profound form of freedom of expression. This movement highlights the transformative potential of digital platforms in inspiring social change and championing human rights. The crimson wave sweeping through digital spaces symbolises a solid commitment to justice and equity. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of activism, reflecting the aspirations for a fairer world where reform is a reality, not just an ideal. By strategically using social media, this movement has shown how a united digital front can drive real-world change, amplify calls for accountability and foster solidarity. This non-violent approach underscores the strength of peaceful resistance in confronting injustices. As the Red Uprising gains momentum, it stands as a powerful example of how digital activism can be a force for good and proves that the keyboard, like the pen, is indeed mightier than the sword. Given the current situation in our country, we all deeply yearn for an end to violence. We long for a new dawn where happiness prevails, and peace embraces every corner of our society.

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The writer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at IUBAT and currently on study leave pursuing a Masters in Human Rights and Multiculturalism at University of South Eastern Norway