A groundbreaking movement was started in front of the central library of Dhaka University demanding the abolition of discriminatory quota system in government jobs. Initially, it started in different important places of the university, but gradually it spread to different educational institutions of the country. Over time, it took the form of a movement of the people of the whole country.
The 36-day movement spanned from July 1 to August 5. At one stage, this movement took the form of a movement to topple the government in protest of the obstruction, attack and killing of the government in the anti-quota movement.
The people of Pabna did not remain silent in any movement including the language movement, the liberation war, the mass movement of 90. Similarly, the students and citizens of Pabna played a very positive role in the July mass uprising.
We, on behalf of the Center for Pabna Studies, are trying to publish a diary containing the important days and events of the July uprising.
July 1
Some students of Government Edward College took position in front of the Department of Islamic History to the main gate of the college. The hour-long movement demanding the abolition of the quota system continued.
Thus the “quota movement” started in Pabna.
July 2
In the same way, discussions were held between the students of different departments and a limited number of movements took place. The students began to gather together.
July 10
Students of the Department of Economics met at the main gate of Edward College from in front of the BNCC building.
At the same time, the movement of students of Pabna Science and Technology University continued.
July11
A program was called by the student community at 11:00 AM. The students of Pabna expressed solidarity with the “Bangla blockade” programme of the anti-discrimination student movement. Students gathered with banners. At the same time, public relations programmes were going on at important points of the city.
12 july
Women’s participation was noticeable during this time. Which excites the students of Pabna a lot. The whole city erupted in a great revolution.
On July 13, an initiative was taken to submit a memorandum to the President through the Deputy Commissioner of Pabna. Initially, the students faced various obstacles from different quarters, but in the end, the students were able to submit the memorandum.
July 13–14
The students of Pabna expressed solidarity with the movement across the country protesting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s sarcastic ‘grandchildren of Razakars’ remarks aimed at the students during the question-answer session of journalists.
July 15
Dhaka University was attacked. In that protest, a massive movement started all over the country. Which shakes the hearts of the people of the whole nation. The wave of this movement stirred up the streets of Pabna.
July 17
The movement was strengthened, the student community faced force and obstacles in various ways.
July 18
Various educational institutions including PUST and Edward College started the movement unitedly. It was the most widespread street attendance, estimated to be more than 20,000. The procession paraded Edward College-Hamid Road-Terminal. Radhanagar twin graves, Degree Bot tola and other parts of the city attacked the general students with various types of local and foreign weapons. The Committee for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement was formed on 18 July but published on 3 August.
July 22-23
along with the protesting students, the students of the school also came down heavily wearing uniforms and a new spark was added to the movement.
July 26
The movement started from the gate of Pabna University of Science and Technology . The boldness spread throughout the city.
On July 28, the strong movement again took place throughout the city, with the full participation of people from all categories.
August 2
Various intimidations, threats of attacks are made from different quarters, yet there is limited movement, widespread shooting, attacks are carried out.
August 3
The streets of Pabna were flooded with people, attacks were carried out with various weapons.
August 4
Two protesters named Jahid and Niloy were martyred in front of Latif Tower in the attack by the government-backed Awami terrorists.
August 5
Although the preparation was taken for the absentee funetal, it was not possible later. Various threats were made, some marched towards Dhaka. After the army chief’s speech on TV at noon, the people of Pabna came down to the traffic intersection, Edward College gate, celebrating victory. The July movement ended with Sheikh Hasina’s escape to India, 5 August became known to many as 36 July.
Research Team, Centre for Pabna Studies.
Translated by: Nahid Al Zubair, European University of Bangladesh.
