Testimonies & narratives
Stories from the July Movement
This section will collect first-hand accounts, reflections, and reporting from those who shaped and witnessed the July Movement.
Mosharaf Hossen
“All I could think of was my three children.”
A fuel seller from Kishoreganj who joined after his daughter asked why no one was standing up for students; he lost the use of his hand and now fights for rehabilitation and dignity.
Nupur Chowdhury
“The state has done nothing for me as an orphan. If I don't stand up now, my children will have nothing either.”
An orphaned young woman from Patuakhali who was shot in both legs during the Bijoy Michil, carrying a bullet to this day yet convinced her sacrifice for the country was worth it.
Priya Khan
“Many now carry our blood in their veins.”
A transgender activist who turned Dhaka Medical College Hospital into her frontline, arranging hundreds of bags of blood and medicine for the wounded despite threats and eviction.
Masum Mia
“People can now criticize the government and speak openly, which we couldn't do for 15 years.”
A transport worker from Mymensingh who was shot four times on August 5 and still believes the freedom to speak makes the sacrifice worthwhile, even as he rebuilds life with lasting injuries.
Md Mustakim
“I'm grateful to be alive, but I struggle mentally. I've lost my sense of normalcy.”
A young driver whose leg was amputated after a sniper bullet shattered it; he is learning to live with trauma while holding on to hope for a fairer Bangladesh.
Shahriar-or-Rashid
“I turned and saw three policemen coming. They loaded their rifles and shot me.”
A sixth grader who kept sneaking out to join marches until he was shot near Mirpur-2; his story captures the pull of the movement on the very young.
Hasan Robayet
“Not honouring the people's will now would be tantamount to violating the spirit of 1971.”
A poet who fought the regime through words and ideas, insisting the uprising stay rooted in the people's will and the unfinished promise of liberation.
Shamshi Ara Jaman (Mother of Shaheed Tahir Jaman Priyo)
“Freedom of speech may have been established, but the cost – losing my son – is a price no mother should ever have to pay.”
Mother of martyred journalist Tahir Jaman Priyo, who channels her grief into a demand that her son's blood not be shed in vain.
Manzur Al Matin
“At times, we went out in turns because we didn’t want to orphan our son completely.”
A lawyer and talk-show host who documented state violence with his wife by his side, risking their lives and careers to make the killings visible and demand accountability.