Youth Voices Mark First Anniversary of July Uprising in Ottawa

Ottawa, August 7, 2025 – The first anniversary of Bangladesh’s historic July Uprising was commemorated in Ottawa with a poignant gathering of youth, academics, and the Bangladeshi diaspora, reflecting on the sacrifices and legacy of the 2024 youth-led protests in Dhaka. The event, titled “Monsoon Rising: Celebrating Youth Resilience – One Year After,” was hosted by the Bangladesh High Commission in Canada in collaboration with the University of Toronto.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada, Nahida Sobhan, opened the program by paying tribute to the martyrs of the uprising, stating, “We remember with reverence and move forward with responsibility.” Messages from Bangladesh’s President and Chief Adviser were read aloud, followed by a minute of silence in honor of those who lost their lives. A documentary showcasing the events of the July Uprising was screened, highlighting the struggle for equality, justice, and freedom that sparked a nationwide movement.

The event featured a panel discussion with notable figures, including Mustahid Husain, anthropologist and author from the University of Toronto; Prapti Taposhi, student leader and feminist activist from Jahangirnagar University; Rafid Hossain, investigative producer at BBC Eye; Srijoni Rahman, public servant and PhD researcher at York University; and Tanha Tanjila, refugee rights advocate from Dalhousie University. Moderated by Shuchita Husain, an international education specialist, the discussion explored the historical and socio-political roots of the uprising and celebrated the courage of Bangladesh’s youth in challenging repression.

A lively question-and-answer session engaged both in-person and online audiences, fostering dialogue on the movement’s impact. The event concluded with participants pledging to build a Bangladesh free from tyranny, committing to continued advocacy for peace, justice, and democratic development in honor of the sacrifices made during the July Uprising.