Political Dynamics of the July Revolution in Bangladesh: Party Roles and Responses

Abstract

The July-August 2024 uprising in Bangladesh, led by Generation Z (Gen-Z), was sparked by student demands for government job quota system reforms, particularly in civil service recruitment. The movement escalated as the government delayed addressing these demands and responded violently. Approximately 2,000 deaths and 30,000 injuries were reported during this period. The protests evolved into a nationwide movement against authoritarian rule, ultimately resulting in the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5, 2024. An interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, assumed power, signalling the start of a new political era. This study examines major political parties’ roles during this revolution. The research investigates how political parties reacted to the movement using qualitative methods, including document analysis and interviews. While some parties supported the students and acknowledged the rationality of their demands, others, particularly the Awami League and its allies, labelled the movement as anti-state and politically motivated. The ruling party also accused protesters of being anti-liberation forces and used law enforcement agencies and political wings to suppress the uprising. The results reveal contrasting strategies among political parties, highlighting their varying motivations and alignments during the crisis. This discussion contributes to understanding the dynamics of political participation in social movements. The study’s findings have implications for political reform and accountability in Bangladesh. By documenting these events, this research provides original insights into the interaction between political parties and youth-led movements in the context of governance and democratic transition.