July Uprising : A Transformative Movement /July Revolution -2024 Multiple Choice & Short Question for HSC English First Paper - English for Today for Class 11 and 12 / Seen Passage for HSC
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Jun 9
- 12 min read
July Uprising: A Transformative Movement
A. Warm up activity Look at the picture and discuss the following question in pairs:
What do you understand by the term "mass movement"?
Can you name any mass movement from the history of Bangladesh?
Why do you think students often play a significant role in political change in Bangladesh?
What does democracy mean to you? Why is it important in a country's governance?
What is Quota System?
Why did students protest against it?
B. Read the text below and answer the questions that follow:
The July Uprising was a mass movement in Bangladesh that led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's regime in July-August 2024. Also referred to as the 'Monsoon Revolution' or 'July Revolution,' the movement began with a student-led protest at Dhaka University demanding quota reform in public service. The government's brutal repression and the tragic loss of life transformed the initially apolitical protest into a widespread uprising that united various political, cultural, social, and religious groups. This collective mobilization ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country. The uprising was not a sudden event, rather it was the culmination of 16 years of public frustration stemming from tyranny, human rights abuses, and the systematic dismentling of state institutions.
Catalyst of the uprising: The July Uprising was fueled by a combination of long-standing grievances and immediate triggers.
Quota Reform and Discrimination: The movement was ignited by the reinstatement of a discriminatory quota system in government jobs. The debate over quotas has a long history in Bangladesh, with earlier protests in 1997, 2001, 2008, and 2013. The 2018 quota reform movement saw the government announce the cancellation of the system, but its reinstatement by the High Court in June 2024 sparked renewed student protests.
Political Repression and Fascist Rule: The 16-year rule of the Awami League government was marked by political repression, killings, enforced disappearances of opponents and restrictions on freedom of expression. The politicization of state institutions, from the judiciary and military to public health and education, created deep-seated resentment among the populace, who felt disenfranchised and oppressed.
Electoral farce and disenfranchisement: For controlling elections, Sheikh Hasina, bypassing Supreme Court direction, removed the caretaker government system from the constitution in 2011. Subsequent general elections of 2014, 2018 and 2024 held under the regime were widely marked by fraudulent practices. Low voter turnout, widespread vote-rigging and a controlled media environment eroded public faith in the democratic process and left citizens feeling powerless.
Economic Hardship: Rampant corruption, financial mismanagement, and kleptocratic practices severely damaged the country's economy. High unemployment, coupled with soaring inflation and widening inequality, made life difficult for ordinary citizens. Economic policies that favoured a select few also marginalised small and medium-sized businesses, contributing to widespread economic distress.
Youth Disillusionment: Young people, particularly students, were deeply disillusioned. They faced humiliation and violence across the country from Chatra League terrorists and felt that their merit and hard work were being ignored in favour of nepotism and partisanship, particularly due to the extensive quota system.
Widespread Public Support: The uprising was largely non-partisan and spontaneous. It garnered momentum because a vast majority of citizens felt victimized by the government's structural corruption, human rights abuses and judicial overreach. This shared experience of oppression meant that when students took to the streets, the wider public quickly joined them.
Reaction to killings: The government's brutal response to the protests which included attacks and killings of peaceful demonstrators by security forces and political thugs, ignited a furious public reaction. This violent repression was a pivotal turning point, transforming the quota reform movement into a nationwide anti-authoritarian uprising.
The Chronology of the Uprising: The July Uprising unfolded rapidly, with key events escalating the conflict.
June 5, 2024: The High Court declared the cancellation of the freedom fighter quota illegal, sparking immediate student protests.
June 6, 2024: Protests spread to multiple universities, including Dhaka, Jahangirnagar, Rajshahi and Chittagong.
July 1, 2024: The 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' platform was launched, initiating nationwide demonstrations and blockades.
July 7, 2024: Students enforced a 'Bangla Blockade' programme, disrupting traffic in Dhaka and other districts.
July 14, 2024: After a mocking comment by Sheikh Hasina, student protests intensified with new slogans.
July 15, 2024: Students at Dhaka and Jahangirnagar Universities were brutally attacked by the members of Chatra League and police.
July 16, 2024: Protests turned deadly as police opened fire on demonstrators, killing several people across the country, including Abu Sayed in Rangpur.
July 17, 2024: Funerals and coffin processions were held for the deceased, with one at Dhaka University being violently dispersed by police.
July 18, 2024: The movement gained broader support as students from private universities, schools, and colleges joined. More than 50 people were killed in a ttacks, and the government shut down the internet.
July 19, 2024: People from all walks of life took to the streets despite the internet shutdown. Helicopters fired on protesters and homes, resulting in over a hundred deaths.
July 20, 2024: A nationwide curfew was imposed, but clashes continued, killing dozens more. International condemnation grew.
August 3, 2024: A movement coordinator announced a one-point declaration for the resignation of the Prime Minister and called for a non-cooperation movement. The Bangladesh Army refused to open fire on unarmed protesters.
August 5, 2024: In response to the students' 'March to Dhaka' programme, millions broke the curfew and marched on the capital. Sheikh Hasina fled the country and protesters occupied key government buildings.
Statistics of Casualties: A report of the UN Human Rights Office noted that the former government of Bangladesh, along with its security and intelligence services and elements of the Awami League, systematically committed severe human rights violations during last year's student-led protests. The report's findings, based on testimony of senior officials and other evidence, suggest an official policy of violent repression against protesters and sympathisers. This has led to concerns about potential crimes against humanity which warrant further criminal investigation. The report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 1 and August 5, with thousands more injured. The vast majority of deaths were from shootings by Bangladeshi security forces. A particularly grim detail is that children accounted for approximately 12-13% of the fatalities.
Aftermath and Legacy: Sheikh Hasina's reign was extremely controversial in the political history of Bangladesh. During her rule from 2009 to 2024, the structure of democratic institutions collapsed. Disappearances, murders, extrajudicial killings, looting, suppression of opposition views and disenfranchisement were the main features of this regime. However, history has taught us that fascism cannot last forever. Therefore, the fall of fascist Sheikh Hasina was just a matter of time. The long-standing dissatisfaction against Sheikh Hasina's repressive policies finally exploded in the mass uprising of July 2024. Students, youth, professionals, working people, and the masses took to the streets, forming a collective resistance. When Sheikh Hasina chose the path of brutal suppression with lethal weapons, there was a storm of condemnation from the international community. Fascist Sheikh Hasina became politically and morally isolated. As a result, Sheikh Hasina fled the country in the face of the August 5 uprising. The uprising is seen as the dawn of a new political and social era for Bangladesh that sometimes is referred to as 'Bangladesh 2.0.' It represents a victory for the unified power of the people and a renewed commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The July Uprising is a powerful testament to the people's desire to build a new nation based on justice and accountability.
July Declaration The July Declaration serves as a mechanism to officially bind future governments to the principles and demands of the July Uprising, which represents the citizens' utmost desires. On August 5, 2025, the first anniversary of the uprising, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, read out the declaration. The document expresses the intent to provide legal protection to the 'National Heroes' and those who were injured or killed. Prepared in consultation with political parties, the declaration further states that the government will grant constitutional and state recognition to the student-led mass uprising.
C. Find out the meanings of the following words and make sentences with them:
uprising
overthrow
reform
brutal
culmination
D. Answer the following questions:
How does the July Uprising reflect the power of unity among people from different classes and professions?
In what ways can student-led movements bring about political or social change in a country? Use examples from the history of Bangladesh.
What lessons can we learn from the July Uprising about the importance of democracy, justice, and the right to protest?
How do economic struggles, political repression, and lack of rights affect the lives of ordinary people in a country?
If you had participated in the July Uprising as a student or citizen, what role would you have played, and why?
E. Read the text below and fill in the gaps using the words in the box:
movement | fascist | curfew | unity | regime |
resistance | students | internet | quota | martyrs |
The July Uprising of 2024 started as a protest against the reinstatement of the system in government jobs. The protest was led mainly by university but soon people from all professions joined the Over time, it transformed into a mass uprising against the rule of fascist The government's response was brutal. Law enforcement agencies and ruling party activists carried out attacks, leading to many deaths and injuries. The number of rose as violence escalated. In an attempt to control the situation, the government shut down the and later imposed a nationwide Despite the oppression, the people showed strong proved the power of public and continued their protests. This uprising in bringing an end to tyranny.
MCQ and Short Answer Questions
The July Uprising was a mass movement in Bangladesh that led to the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's regime in July-August 2024. Also referred to as the 'Monsoon Revolution' or 'July Revolution,' the movement began with a student-led protest at Dhaka University demanding quota reform in public service. The government's brutal repression and the tragic loss of life transformed the initially apolitical protest into a widespread uprising that united various political, cultural, social, and religious groups. This collective mobilization ultimately led to Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country. The uprising was not a sudden event, rather it was the culmination of 16 years of public frustration stemming from tyranny, human rights abuses, and the systematic dismentling of state institutions.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What was the primary outcome of the July Uprising?
A) The creation of a new constitution
B) The overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's regime
C) The establishment of a new university
D) An immediate national election
Answer: B
2. In which months of 2024 did the mass movement primarily take place?
A) May-June
B) June-July
C) July-August
D) August-September
Answer: C
3. Which of the following is another name for the July Uprising mentioned in the text?
A) The Winter Uprising
B) The Student Awakening
C) The Dhaka Revolution
D) The Monsoon Revolution
Answer: D
4. Where did the initial student-led protests originate?
A) Chittagong University
B) Dhaka University
C) Jahangirnagar University
D) The Supreme Court
Answer: B
5. What was the original demand of the student-led protests?
A) Free university tuition
B) Immediate change of government
C) Quota reform in public service
D) Better campus facilities
Answer: C
6. What factor transformed the initially apolitical protest into a widespread uprising?
A) Interference from opposition political parties
B) The government's brutal repression and tragic loss of life
C) Widespread economic inflation
D) The closing of all educational institutions
Answer: B
7. Which groups united during the widespread uprising?
A) Only university and college students
B) Various political, cultural, social, and religious groups
C) Exclusively religious and political groups
D) The military and civil service workers
Answer: B
8. What was the ultimate action taken by Sheikh Hasina as a result of the collective mobilization?
A) She dissolved the parliament
B) She accepted all student demands
C) She fled the country
D) She stepped down and formed a caretaker government
Answer: C
9. According to the text, how many years of public frustration culminated in this uprising?
A) 10 years
B) 14 years
C) 15 years
D) 16 years
Answer: D
10. Which of the following was cited as an underlying cause of the long-term public frustration?
A) Systematic dismantling of state institutions
B) Increased taxation on the middle class
C) Poor foreign policy decisions
D) Natural disasters and lack of relief
Answer: A
Short Questions & Answers
Q1: What are the two alternative names used to describe the mass movement that took place in Bangladesh in July-August 2024?
Answer: The movement is also referred to as the "Monsoon Revolution" or the "July Revolution."
Q2: How did the movement start, and what was its original goal?
Answer: The movement began as an apolitical, student-led protest at Dhaka University with the specific goal of demanding quota reform in public service.
Q3: What specific actions caused the student protests to escalate into a widespread national uprising?
Answer: The government's brutal repression of the protests and the tragic loss of life transformed it from an apolitical student protest into a widespread mass uprising.
Q4: What was the final consequence of the uprising for Sheikh Hasina?
Answer: The collective mobilization of the public ultimately forced Sheikh Hasina to flee the country, resulting in the overthrow of her regime.
Q5: According to the text, what were the deep-rooted issues over the past 16 years that led to this event?
Answer: The uprising was the culmination of 16 years of public frustration stemming from tyranny, human rights abuses, and the systematic dismantling of state institutions.
Answer:
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
a. Who was Gazi Pir according to myths and legends?→ iii) A Muslim saint
b. Where did Gazi Pir spread Islam according to the legends?→ ii) The Sundarbans region of Bengal
c. What was Gazi Pir credited with?→ iii) Performing miracles
d. What ability was Gazi Pir said to possess regarding dangerous animals?→ ii) He could calm and make them docile
e. How is Gazi Pir usually depicted in scroll paintings?→ ii) Riding a fierce-looking Bengal tiger
f. What animal is often shown with Gazi Pir in his hand in the paintings?→ iii) A snake
g. What kind of danger is Gazi Pir depicted in, according to the paintings?→ i) Apparent danger
h. According to some stories, who did Gazi Pir fight?→ iii) Crocodiles
i. Why did Gazi Pir fight crocodiles, according to the legends?→ i) To protect his village
j. What type of region is described where Gazi Pir fought the crocodiles?→ iii) Full of canals and creeks
B. Answer the following questions
(a) What was the specialty of Gazi Pir?
Gazi Pir was believed to have supernatural powers. He could calm wild animals, protect people from danger, and perform miracles.
(b) How is Gazi Pir usually depicted? And why?
He is usually shown riding a fierce Bengal tiger and holding a snake in his hand. This symbolizes his power over dangerous animals and his ability to protect people.
(c) How did Gazi Pir help the local people?
Gazi Pir protected the people from wild animals like tigers and crocodiles. He also helped them live near forests and cultivate their lands safely.
(d) How can you know about Gazi Pir more?
We can learn more about Gazi Pir from folk literature, scroll paintings (paats), and indigenous theatre performances. Some of his stories are even preserved in the British Museum.
(e) “People of these regions would pray to him for protection” – what do you understand by this statement?
It means that people believed in his supernatural powers and asked for his help to protect them from wild animals and other dangers.
(f) What kind of extraordinary power did Gazi Pir have?
He had the power to tame wild animals, fight crocodiles, and keep dangerous creatures under control.
(g) What was Gazi Pir famous for?
He was famous for his miracles, bravery, and ability to protect people from wild animals.
(h) Why did people seek help from Gazi Pir?
People sought his help because they believed he could protect them from wild animals and make their lands safe for farming.
(i) What was the belief of the people about Gazi Pir?
People believed that he had supernatural abilities to control animals, fight dangers, and bring safety to their villages.
(j) What are the different art forms in which the myth of Gazi Pir is kept alive?
The myth of Gazi Pir is preserved through folk literature, scroll paintings (paats), and indigenous theatre performances. Some of his stories are also displayed in the British Museum.
Bangla Translation
বাংলা অনুবাদঃ
কিছু পুরাণ এবং কিংবদন্তি অনুযায়ী, গাজী পীর ছিলেন একজন মুসলিম সাধক, যিনি সুন্দরবনের নিকটবর্তী বঙ্গ অঞ্চলে ইসলাম প্রচার করেছিলেন। তাকে অনেক অলৌকিক কাজের জন্য কৃতিত্ব দেওয়া হয়েছে। উদাহরণস্বরূপ, তিনি বিপজ্জনক প্রাণীদের শান্ত করতে এবং তাদের অনুগত করতে পারতেন। সাধারণত, তাকে পাটবা স্ক্রোল চিত্রকলায় একটি ভয়ঙ্কর চেহারার বাঘের পিঠে চড়ে, হাতে সাপ নিয়ে, কিন্তু স্পষ্টতই বিপদের মধ্যে প্রদর্শিত করা হয়। কিছু গল্প অনুযায়ী, তিনি কুমিরদের সাথেও লড়াই করেছিলেন যারা খাল এবং খাড়িতে পূর্ণ একটি অঞ্চলের মানুষের জন্য হুমকি ছিল। প্রকৃতপক্ষে, এটি বঙ্গোপসাগরের সন্নিকটে একটি জলময় জঙ্গল।
তার সজাগ এবং সতর্ক উপস্থিতির কারণে, সকল শিকারি প্রাণীকে সীমার মধ্যে রাখা হতো। এছাড়াও, তিনি গ্রামবাসীদের বনের কাছাকাছি বসবাস করতে এবং তাদের জমি চাষ করতে সক্ষম করেছিলেন বলে বিশ্বাস করা হতো। ফলস্বরূপ, এই অঞ্চলের মানুষ তার কাছে সুরক্ষার জন্য প্রার্থনা করতো। গাজী পীরের গল্প লোকসাহিত্য এবং শিল্পে সংরক্ষিত হয়েছে এবং এটি দেশীয় থিয়েটারে অভিনয় করা হয়েছে। প্রকৃতপক্ষে, কিছু গাজীর পাট স্ক্রোল ব্রিটিশ মিউজিয়ামের সংগ্রহের অংশ।
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vocabulary words from the text along with their Bangla meanings:
Myth - কল্পকাহিনি / পুরাণ
Legend - গল্প / কিংবদন্তি
Saint - সন্ত / পীর
Spread - প্রচার করা / বিস্তার করা
Miracle - অলৌকিক ঘটনা
Supposedly - অনুমান করা হয় / কথিতভাবে
Calm - শান্ত করা
Docile - অনুগত / সহজে নিয়ন্ত্রণযোগ্য
Depict - অঙ্কন করা / বর্ণনা করা
Scroll painting - পটচিত্র
Fierce-looking - ভয়ঙ্কর চেহারার
Apparent - প্রকাশ্য / স্পষ্ট
Threaten - ভয় দেখানো / হুমকি দেওয়া
Vigilant - সতর্ক / সজাগ
Predatory - শিকারি / লুটেরা
Bounds - সীমা / নিয়ন্ত্রণ
Enable - সক্ষম করা
Cultivate - চাষ করা
Protection - রক্ষা / নিরাপত্তা
Preserve - সংরক্ষণ করা
Indigenous - স্থানীয় / আদিবাসী
Theatre - নাট্যশালা / মঞ্চনাটক
Collection - সংগ্রহ / সংকলন
Bay - উপসাগর
Canal - খাল / নালা
Creek - নদীর শাখা / ছোট জলধারা
Extraordinary - অসাধারণ / ব্যতিক্রমী
Supernatural - অতিপ্রাকৃত / অলৌকিক
Bravery - সাহস / বীরত্ব
Folk literature - লোকসাহিত্য
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