The women who actively participated in the July movement on Sunday demanded that Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League be banned, accusing them of committing mass killings during the uprising.
They also called for a swift trial of those responsible.
The demand was made at a rally held under the banner of 'Women of July' in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh in the capital.
The event was organised to push for the trial of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League for the alleged killing of students and civilians during the July-August uprising.
Starting from 2 pm, female leaders from various universities, participants in the July Movement, and families of martyrs gathered at Shahbagh.
Sadia Farzana Dinar, Women’s Cell Secretary of the National Citizens’ Committee, moderated the programme, while speakers included the committee’s convener Nasiruddin Patwari, member secretary Akhtar Hossain, spokesperson Samantha Sharmin, and members Sarwar Tushar, Salehuddin Sifat, Dr. Mahmud Mitu, Arpita Shyama Dev, Tajnubha Jabin, Umama Fatema, Nusrat Tabassum, Tuhin Khan and Akram Hossain.
The organisers emphasised the pioneering role of women in the July movement, noting that they broke the locks of halls and took to the streets.
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Recalling how women stood in front of prison vans to protect their fellow activists, they lamented that despite their contributions, women continue to face neglect and humiliation. They stressed that women must be encouraged to enter politics and shape the country’s history.
Nusrat Tabassum, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted the extensive participation of women in the July Movement.
“But after July, I keep hearing questions about where the women of July have gone. Women still face social bullying about their image and bodies,” she said.
She accused Sheikh Hasina of making women’s participation in Bangladeshi politics increasingly difficult, stating that disappearances, murders, and the establishment of secret torture cells like Ayanaghor over the past 16 years have undermined trust in women's leadership.
“We are all suffering the consequences of Sheikh Hasina’s sins. If we want to bring women back into politics, the first step is to ensure Sheikh Hasina’s trial,” she added.
Arpita Shyama Das, a participant in the movement, said that the women’s march in July had its roots in the 2018 quota reform movement and reached its culmination in 2024.
“In this movement, women have stood against autocratic forces with sticks in their hands. Their contribution has become symbolic—not only do women know how to protest, but they can also lead,” she said.
National Citizens’ Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin pointed to Bangladesh’s 53-year history of struggle, stressing that women have played a role at every stage.
“In the political party that emerges after July, we want to see women’s leadership at the local level. Women must be ensured a place in policymaking,” she said.
Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of the National Citizens’ Committee, acknowledged the widespread participation in the uprising.
He highlighted the role of women in supporting the movement, from active participation to providing food and tending to the wounded.
“If those responsible for the barbaric massacre in July are not brought to justice, ensuring safety for anyone in this country will be impossible,” he said, adding that justice must be established and Awami League politics must be banned.