To commemorate the first anniversary of the July Revolution of 2024, a landmark international conference will be held at the University of Dhaka on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The event—titled the 1st International Conference on the July Revolution (ICJR-I)—will bring together scholars, activists, and policymakers from across the globe to reflect on the revolution’s legacy and its implications for democracy and justice in Bangladesh.

 

The conference is jointly organized by the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka, Research & Integrated Thought (RIT), Department of Political Science at Jagannath University, University of Regina (Canada), School of Social Sciences at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), School of Peace & Conflict Studies at Kent State University (USA), International Institute of Law and Diplomacy, Bangladesh 2.0 Initiative (UK), Socchar (USA), Insaf (Dhaka), and the Center for Policy and Social Research (CPSR, Türkiye). The event is also being supported by several justice-oriented and community-based non-profit organizations.

 

The July Revolution, which erupted in 2024, was a youth-led movement demanding political transparency, justice, and an end to authoritarian practices. Widely regarded as a transformative moment in Bangladesh’s recent history, the revolution has sparked national and international debate about governance, civic rights, and transitional justice.

 

High-Profile Keynotes and Thematic Panels

The conference will feature keynote addresses by internationally renowned figures, including:

• Dr. Amr Abdalla (University for Peace, Costa Rica)
• Dr. Mahmudur Rahman (Editor, Daily Amar Desh)
• Dr. Md. Saidul Islam (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
• Doly Begum (Member of Provincial Parliament, Ontario, Canada)
• Jon Danilowicz (Former U.S. diplomat)
• Dr. Usaama Al-Azami (Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar)

 

In addition, nine parallel breakout sessions will explore themes such as:

1. State Violence, Political Repression, and Human Rights Abuses
2. Media Censorship, Freedom of Speech, and Digital Repression
3. Authoritarian Economy, Corruption and National Development
4. Historical Dimension of July Revolution
5. Arts, Media and Creative Outlets
6. Student Movements and Youth Resistance
7. Institutional Reforms: Courts, Police, Military and Elections
8. Victim Rights, Victims Mental Health & Victim Rehabilitations
9. Transitional Justice and Truth & Healing

 

Significance of the Conference

The “1st International Conference on the July Revolution (ICJR-I, 2025)” holds profound significance in exploring the July Revolution's historical, social, and political dimensions. This conference will be a critical platform for in-depth discussions on the revolution's profound impact on national and international movements for justice, democracy, and human rights. By analyzing the socio-political transformations brought about by the July Revolution, ICJR-I aims to highlight its enduring relevance in the contemporary global context. It will also provide an opportunity to commemorate the resilience and contributions of the individuals and communities involved in the revolution, thus ensuring that the lessons of history continue to inspire current and future generations in pursuing social equity and justice.

 

Special Features

July Exhibition & Drama

We will invite our partners, especially students and civil society organizations, to display their work during the conference. Cultural organizations will also produce a drama to celebrate the July Revolution.

 

Poster Presentation on the July Revolution

We invite participants to share their reflections and creative expressions on the July Revolution in Bangladesh through poster presentations. This is an opportunity to explore the historical roots, political context, and the enduring impact of the July uprising. Submissions may focus on lived experiences, archival research, visual storytelling, or critical perspectives on state violence, resistance, and pathways to justice.

 

Publication & Conference Proceedings

We will publish the presented articles, keynote addresses, and a number of invited scholarly works as conference proceedings. Publishing the selected papers in a high-impact journal is also a top priority.

 

Open to All

The ICJR-I invites participation from students, researchers, civil society members, and the general public. Registration details, abstract submission guidelines, and the full conference program are available at www.julyconference.com.