July uprising 2024

The spirit of 1971: Reflections on liberation, aspirations, and modern challenges

The spirit of 1971 lives on, and it is up to the present generation to ensure that its promises are fulfilled.

Column by Mahfuz Anam / Election in first half of ’26 is not unreasonable, but Dec ’25 is doable

Whatever the differing stances of various political parties may be, people in general would prefer to exercise their franchise.

Time for action to take post-uprising Bangladesh forward

Historically, revolutions often begin with an unified call for justice, equality, and change.

July uprising / A turning point or a missed opportunity?

A reflection on Bangladesh's post-Awami League crisis and the need for unity and reform.

Won’t spare anyone, even if it’s Prof Yunus

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, yesterday said they would spare no one who would betray the ideals of the July mass uprising.

We were complicit by our silence

In a country where a sense of freedom has barely returned after over a decade of suppression, the question of a writer’s role looms large.

Diplomats pay tribute to July bravehearts

Diplomats of foreign missions in Bangladesh yesterday attended The Daily Star’s exhibition to pay tribute to the brave hearts of the July uprising.

The resurgence of political cartoons

How political cartoons in Bangladesh overcame censorship post July uprising.

‘Don’t ever let an autocrat rule us again’

Harmony, reform, remembrance, and justice were the key demands of those who took to the streets and the families of those who laid down their lives during the July uprising.

November 26, 2024
November 26, 2024

‘Body and the Map’: Stories of chaos, trauma, and scars through art

Reaching the 3rd level of Bengal Shilpalay, the first art piece greeting me in the lift lobby with its unique appearance was "Ria Moni", a tower constructed with children's toys. Created by Afsana Sharmin, this sculpture is a memorial for the six-year-old Riya Gope, who was shot dead on her apartment's rooftop during the Student Against Discrimination (SAD) Movement, leaving her family devastated. An intimidating installation with bamboo, sharp objects, water lilies, and severed doll parts is her way of visualising the movement. 

November 22, 2024
November 22, 2024

Why did Abdullah have to die?

How many of those injured during the July-August uprising, like Abdullah, are still fighting for their lives?

November 21, 2024
November 21, 2024

Chandabaji, mamla banijya can’t be our only future

These two crimes wreaked havoc in the lives of innocent people of our country during the Hasina regime.

November 20, 2024
November 20, 2024

Hundred days of hope

It’s time we started walking away from exclusionary politics and towards inclusivity.

November 17, 2024
November 17, 2024

1,500 dead, nearly 20,000 injured in July uprising: Prof Yunus

He announced plans to demand the extradition of deposed dictator Sheikh Hasina from India

November 16, 2024
November 16, 2024

‘Sidelined and forgotten’

Female activists of the July uprising fight for recognition

November 14, 2024
November 14, 2024

Bangladesh's civil society must confront its past failures

Intellectuals, academics, journalists, and human rights defenders often did not challenge the government effectually enough.

November 11, 2024
November 11, 2024

How the youth are shaping a new era of meritocracy

The shift in the youth’s mindset—transforming from passive acceptance of their oppression to becoming active agents of change—is striking.

November 8, 2024
November 8, 2024

Lightmen struggle to light up their own lives in uncertain industry

Behind this essential aspect of filmmaking are the lighting technicians, whose efforts often go unnoticed. In Bangladesh, however, these technicians face an uncertain future, as the industry battles deep financial challenges.

November 7, 2024
November 7, 2024

Post-July remembrance

With the departure of an autocrat and the period of semi-expected-still-frightening chaos after, comes the period when we have to sit down to think of what comes ahead, know what we must not do, and get some direction on how we are supposed to go on. In light of this, the following articles and/or chapters have been curated for perspectives that might be needed in this unprecedented situation we’ve found ourselves in.