Politics: Let Us Institutionalize the Contribution of Women in the Mass Uprising, Says Ali Riaz

Dhaka, July 14, 2025 – On the anniversary of the July mass uprising, Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, paid tribute to the remarkable contribution of women. Speaking at the Foreign Service Academy’s Doyel Hall during discussions with political parties, he said, “The glorious role of women accelerated the movement. We must honor their contribution by giving it an institutional form.”

On Monday, during the second phase of the National Consensus Commission’s discussions with political parties, the 13th day focused on women’s representation in the National Parliament. Ali Riaz emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to achieve this, noting that a consensus has been reached on incorporating necessary provisions into several articles of the constitution. Recalling the events of July 14, 2024, Ali Riaz highlighted how students, particularly female students from Dhaka University’s Rokeya Hall, took to the streets at night in response to a remark by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This sparked a nationwide movement, with students from various universities joining in, ultimately forcing Hasina to flee the country amid a massive public uprising. Reflecting on the day, Ali Riaz said, “Following a derogatory remark, students from Dhaka University and other institutions hit the streets, especially the female students. The way they were insulted and the way they stood up against it significantly advanced the fall of the fascist regime. Their contribution will be written in golden letters in history.” He further noted, “Today, we are discussing women’s representation in parliament. We must remember that this day marks the history of resistance that compelled a fascist ruler to flee. This is why we have reached this point, and we must keep this in mind.” The discussion, moderated by Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on National Consensus, was chaired by Ali Riaz. Commission members Safar Raj Hossain, Justice Emdadul Haque, Badiul Alam Majumdar, Iftekharuzzaman, and Mohammad Ayub Miah were also present. Over 30 political parties, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party (NCP), Islamic Movement, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), and Ganosamhati Andolan, participated in the meeting.