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Amnesty International has called on the Bangladesh government to cease the criminalization of freedom of expression and to immediately release all individuals detained solely for exercising this fundamental right. The human rights organization pointed out that two years after the July Uprising, people continue to face consequences for voicing dissent. Despite government promises to uphold human rights, individuals are reportedly being arrested simply for criticizing the authorities online.

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Two years after Bangladesh’s July Uprising, people are still paying the price for speaking out.

The crackdown following the July and August 2024 protests, according to a video shared by Amnesty International South Asia, resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths and thousands of injuries. The uprising itself was fueled by a desire to protect human rights and prevent Bangladesh from descending into authoritarianism. The video featured three Dhaka University students who underscored the critical role of free speech in a democratic society.

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If the authorities ever want to suppress freedom of expression, they should take lessons from what happened in July and 1990. They should adopt policies to make the country democratic and reform the laws.

Shima Akhter, a student of Music at Dhaka University, stated that freedom of expression is vital for Bangladesh's democratic status. She advised authorities to learn from past events, such as those in July and 1990, and to implement policies and reform laws to foster democracy. Prathama Chakma, an indigenous women's activist and student of Women and Gender Studies, shared the challenges faced by women who speak out about their rights. She noted that these women often endure cyberbullying and attacks targeting their clothing, culture, and religious practices, adding that many women who were at the forefront of the July protests have not had their stories fully recognized.

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Although women were placed on the front line during July, many of their stories have not come to light.

Student leader Samia Masud Momo, general secretary of the Shamsunnahar Hall student union, expressed that a lack of free expression had persisted for 17 years. She described the emergence of freedom of expression within people as a "spark" that eventually ignited into a "wildfire" after this long period of suppression.

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After 17 years, freedom of expression emerged within us like a spark, and that spark turned into a wildfire.