In the summer of 2024, Bangladesh witnessed an uprising that would become a landmark in its history. Sparked by student-led protests for educational reforms, this movement quickly grew into a nationwide demand for change, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While men made up the majority of the participants, this movement was notable for the unprecedented political participation of women—the largest in any student movement in Bangladesh’s history.
For those of us watching from afar, it was a moment of profound realization: the women of Bangladesh were no longer content to stand on the sidelines. They stepped up, took on leadership roles, and played a pivotal part in a movement that would reshape the nation’s political landscape.
As a Bangladeshi woman living abroad, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride as I watched these brave young women take on roles traditionally reserved for men. They weren’t the majority in terms of numbers, but their involvement was critical. They led, coordinated, and, most importantly, they refused to back down in the face of adversity. Their journey mirrored the broader struggle of women everywhere: the fight to be heard, to be respected, and to stand tall without being labeled as too emotional, too aggressive, or dare I say, toxic.
The Emergence of Female Leadership
The interview with three leading female protest coordinators—Nusrat Tabassum, Rafia Rehnuma, and Umama Fatema—offers a deep insight into their experiences and the significant role they played in the movement. Their stories are not merely accounts of activism; they are powerful narratives of change.
Nusrat’s words set the tone: “It felt as if there was no better option than this.” For her and many others, joining the movement wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity. The realization that women in Bangladesh could no longer afford to see themselves as a neglected group was both empowering and urgent. Nusrat emphasized that the movement aimed to create a future where women could freely pursue education and engage in public life, without the constant threat of retaliation. The bitter pill to swallow, she noted, was that women were still far behind in many areas, but this movement was a crucial step in changing that.
Rafia elaborated on how female students from different dormitories began to organize. They faced numerous restrictions, both overt and covert, but what united them was a shared belief in equality. “There was a reign of student politics on campus,” she said, “but what brought all the female students together was the idea of equality.” This idea wasn’t just a slogan; it was the glue that held their movement together, transforming isolated groups of women into a formidable force that could not be ignored. She described how the coordinators from different halls discussed the situation of women living in dormitories and the various restrictions they faced. This conversation became the foundation of their collective action.
Umama’s account of their early activities is particularly striking. She described how they organized marches, blocking major roads and making their presence felt in a society that often tries to silence women.
The act of these women marching from Shahbagh to Gulistan, effectively blocking the area for several hours, went beyond mere protest. She recounted how they would march with slogans early in the morning, sometimes in the middle of the day, and sometimes in the afternoon. Their determination was unwavering, and their presence was impossible to ignore.
Confronting Violence and Intimidation
But as is often the case when women challenge the status quo, their path was fraught with challenges, misinterpretations, and, most notably, violence.
The attempts to delegitimize the movement reached a peak when the Prime Minister labeled the protesters as “razakars,” a term that struck deep into the hearts of those fighting for justice. Nusrat recounted how this label felt like “an attack from within,” designed to break their spirit and sow division among the protesters.
Despite these attempts to undermine their cause, the female students remained resolute. They faced brutal crackdowns, particularly in their dormitories, where authorities tried to lock them in or force them out. Nusrat’s description of their daily routine—leaving their dorms at 9 in the morning and returning at 10 at night, only to find the dormitory occupied by women who had stayed behind—paints a vivid picture of their unyielding determination. The involvement of these women went beyond being mere participants
The violence wasn’t just physical; it was psychological as well. Nusrat shared how the constant threat of being labeled as a traitor weighed heavily on them. The emotional scars, like the physical ones, were reminders of the price they were paying for their activism. “I hope that scar remains as a memory,” Nusrat said, acknowledging the lasting impact of their struggle.
Rafia provided further insight into how the movement adapted to the increasing brutality. As the clashes with authorities became more intense, the female students began holding candlelight protests inside their dormitories. These demonstrations held significance beyond mere symbolism. “We saw that many women joined the protest, and I was one of them,” Rafia recalled, emphasizing the solidarity that emerged in the face of adversity.
Umama’s account of the dormitory closures and the subsequent abductions of student leaders is perhaps the most harrowing. The sense of displacement, the fear of what might happen next, and the uncertainty of whether they would be released or not—all of this created an atmosphere of terror. Yet, even in the darkest moments, these women remained defiant. Umama recalled how they continued to organize and plan their next moves, even as they faced the very real possibility of being taken away themselves. The public’s support, she noted, became their lifeline, reminding them that they were not alone in their fight.
Nusrat’s recounting of the days following the strike is particularly poignant. She described how, after being labeled as “razakars,” they began to face disturbances in their dormitories. The first wave of repression was intense. “We used to leave at 9 in the morning and return at 10 at night, and the majority of the dormitory was occupied by women,” she said. The men would leave, only to return minutes later, attempting to lock the women up. Despite these efforts, the administration did not stop them. Instead, they moved from one dorm to another, eventually reaching the Vice Chancellor’s office, where they saw their male counterparts gaining courage from their defiance.
The brutality they faced wasn’t limited to threats and intimidation. There were real, physical consequences.
Umama said she had a permanent scar from the violence she endured. “I hope that scar remains as a memory,” she said, underscoring the lasting impact of the violence they faced.
The protests didn’t end there. As the situation escalated, the clashes became more intense, with more people getting involved. Rafia mentioned how they began marching after dusk, and how the student leaders were unprepared to handle the intensity of the attacks. The candlelight protests inside the dormitories became a powerful symbol of their resistance, even as the authorities tried to intimidate them with sound grenades and other forms of repression.
The turning point for many came when the dormitories were ordered to close. Umama described the disbelief and fear that followed this announcement. Students didn’t know where to go, and many, like Umama, reached out to their families for support. She recalled how she couldn’t sleep after returning home, overwhelmed by the uncertainty of what would happen next.
The situation took a darker turn when several student leaders, including Nusrat, were abducted by the authorities. Nusrat’s account of her abduction is chilling. She described how she was taken away without a warrant, and how she believed that if she didn’t return, she would become a martyr.
For the next six days, she and her fellow detainees were subjected to physical and mental torture. The authorities attempted to break their spirit by forcing them to participate in a farcical press conference to withdraw the protests. “For the next day I thought of taking my life almost every hour,” Nusrat confessed, illustrating the immense psychological pressure they were under.
Despite these attempts to crush the movement, the protesters remained resolute. Nusrat recounted how they continued to organize and plan their next moves even after the dormitories were closed. The public’s support became their lifeline, reminding them why they were fighting and what was at stake. The authorities did everything in their power to break them, but they refused to be silenced. The love and support from the people, she noted, were overwhelming. It was because of this support that they survived and continued to fight for a Bangladesh where justice and dignity prevail.
Recognizing the Broader Movement
While women were integral to this movement, it’s important to acknowledge that this was not a female-led protest in terms of sheer numbers. Men, too, played significant roles, and their participation was crucial in sustaining the momentum of the uprising. However, the 2024 protests marked the largest political participation by women in any student movement in Bangladesh’s history. This involvement wasn’t just a footnote; it was a defining characteristic of the movement, one that reshaped perceptions of gender roles in activism.
The male participants, who made up the majority, were often the front-line soldiers, facing the brunt of the physical confrontations with police and authorities. But the presence of women added a new dimension to the protests, one that made it harder for the government to dismiss the movement as mere youthful exuberance. The sight of women standing shoulder to shoulder with men, leading marches, and defying curfews sent a powerful message: this was a movement that represented all of Bangladesh, not just a segment of it.
Redefining Female Participation in Politics
The events of 2024 have left an indelible mark on Bangladesh, particularly in how they’ve redefined the role of women in student politics. For too long, female students have been underrepresented in political bodies, their voices drowned out by the cacophony of male-dominated discourse. The bravery and leadership displayed by Nusrat, Rafia, Umama, and countless others have challenged this status quo, but the fight is far from over.
To build on the momentum generated by these protests, it is essential for universities to create safe spaces for female activists. Female students need secure environments where they can engage in political activities without fear of harassment or violence.
This includes implementing strict zero-tolerance policies against gender-based violence and ensuring that any violations are met with swift and decisive action. Equal representation in student unions is another critical step. The underrepresentation of women in student unions and political bodies must be addressed through mandated quotas and active recruitment of female candidates. This isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about ensuring that women have a voice in decision-making processes and that their perspectives are considered in shaping policies that affect all students.
Support systems are also crucial for female activists. Balancing academic responsibilities with activism is no easy feat, and female students often lack the support systems available to their male counterparts.
Universities should establish networks that provide counseling, mentorship, and legal support for female activists. These networks should be designed to help women navigate the challenges of activism while also supporting their academic and personal well-being.
Raising awareness about gender equality is key to changing mindsets. There needs to be a concerted effort to raise awareness about gender equality and the importance of women’s participation in politics. Workshops, seminars, and campaigns that engage both male and female students can help foster a more inclusive environment where women are encouraged to speak up and take on leadership roles.
Encouraging Continued Political Activism Among Women
The momentum generated by the 2024 protests provides a unique opportunity to encourage greater political activism among female students. However, this will require a shift in how we think about women’s participation in politics, moving away from traditional gender roles and embracing a more inclusive approach. Developing leadership skills is crucial in this regard. Leadership development programs tailored specifically for female students should be prioritized. These programs should focus on building confidence, public speaking skills, and strategic thinking, empowering women to take on more prominent roles in student politics.
Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of female activists can also go a long way in inspiring more women to engage in activism and take on leadership roles. Recognition is a powerful motivator, and it’s important for universities and political organizations to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of female activists. Awards, scholarships, and public acknowledgments can help build momentum for continued activism.
Creating platforms where female students can share their experiences, discuss their challenges, and organize collectively is also essential. These platforms should be free from surveillance and interference, allowing women to strategize and collaborate without fear of retribution.
Finally, engaging alumni as mentors can provide invaluable guidance to current students. Female alumni who have been active in politics can offer support and advice to young women navigating the complexities of political activism. Universities should encourage these alumni to return to their alma maters as mentors, helping to bridge the gap between past and present activism.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 protests have shown that the women of Bangladesh are not just ready to participate in the political process—they are ready to lead it. Their courage and determination have set a powerful example for future generations, proving that when women stand together, they can achieve extraordinary things.
But the road ahead is long, and the fight is far from over. For the momentum generated by these protests to be sustained, it is essential that the barriers to women’s participation in politics and activism are dismantled. This requires not only systemic changes within universities but also a broader cultural shift that recognizes and values the contributions of women in all spheres of life.
