July is the month of reawakening

July is more than just another month on the calendar. It is a chapter of awakening in Bangladesh's history. It is not merely a time of monsoon rain, but a symbolic season of protest, resistance, and self-realisation. The pages of July are etched with the footsteps of brave students who have dared speak truth to power.

History bears witness to the spirit of youth that defines this time of year. The Safe Roads Movement of July-August 2018 is a powerful example. Shocked by the tragic deaths of two classmates, thousands of students took to the streets of Dhaka in a remarkable show of unity and discipline. They sent a clear message: this country does not belong to politicians alone; the youth, too, are its rightful stakeholders and guardians.

In 2024, we saw another surge of civic consciousness. Movements demanding quota reform and protesting corruption in educational institutions once again turned July into a crucible of change. These were not isolated demands; they reflected a broader call for national accountability. Students rose, not just for themselves but for the future of Bangladesh.

July and August remind us: where there is injustice, there will be resistance. Where there is neglect, a voice will rise. These are the months that forge unity of responsible citizens and ignite national consciousness.

Today's students must not be confined to the four walls of the classroom. They must be nurtured as agents of change and ready to shape the future. July calls upon us to reflect: what role will we play in building the Bangladesh we dream of?

Monirul Islam

Department of English

National University

mdmonirulislam414864@gmail.com