IUB commemorates July Movement's anniversary through student-led celebrations
The Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) marked the first anniversary of the July Movement with a fortnight of student-led commemorative events, honouring the pivotal democratic milestone that took place in 2024.
The commemorations began on 25 July with a FIDE-rated chess tournament titled the July Memorial. The event attracted 160 student participants from various institutions, reflecting the movement's national significance.
On the same day, the final match of the inter-departmental futsal tournament was held, drawing a large crowd of supporters and participants.
The Art Club organised a live painting competition, Reminiscing July, on August 2-4. The competition provided an opportunity for students to express their thoughts and feelings about the July Movement through their artwork.
On August 2-4, the IUB Literature Club hosted the July Memorial Exhibition through Literary Pieces, setting the stage for the later exhibitions and closing events.
The Anthro-Socio Club showcased digital satire and visual commentary with their meme exhibition titled "Control+Alter+Rebel: Meme Voices of July." Meanwhile, the Independent Photography Club presented a photography exhibition titled "Born in July," featuring images captured by students during the 2024 protests.
Hip-hop groups 1230 Classicks, Ragemode, Coldkraft, and Shezan performed original rap tracks that gained popularity during last year's movement. Their performances provided a musical backdrop to the commemorative events, reminding everyone of the movement's spirit.
On 31 July, student clubs Environmental Trailblazers and DEA-IUB jointly organised a community clean-up drive in Bashundhara Residential Area. IUB Board of Trustees Chairman Didar A. Husain and Vice-Chancellor Professor M Tamim also participated in the drive.
On 30 July, the IUB Theatre Club staged a stage play, Biplobi Protichhobi, while the IUB Music Club performed musical renditions of protest songs. These cultural events aimed to keep the spirit of the July Movement alive.
A seminar titled "Digital Dissent and Its Imaginaries" was held at IUB, where students from the Department of Media and Communication presented their thesis papers. The seminar explored themes of resistance and activism in the digital age, providing insights into the role of technology in social movements.
The events culminated on August 4, 2025, with a seminar and a cultural program to mark the first anniversary of the July Movement. The cultural program included the stage play and musical performances, serving as a fitting tribute to the movement's courage and sacrifice.
These student-led commemorative events at IUB reflect the continued commitment of its students to civic consciousness, artistic expression, and academic inquiry, while honouring the legacy of the July Movement. The events also underscore the importance of student activism in democratic reform and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the movement.
[1] Quota Reform Movement [2] July Movement [3] Resignation of Sheikh Hasina [4] IUB News: July Movement Anniversary Events [5] Bangla Tribune: IUB Commemorates July Movement Anniversary
The Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) utilized their platforms for lifestyle, education-and-self-development, entertainment, and social media during the commemorations of the July Movement. For instance, the IUB Literature Club hosted a literary exhibition, and the Anthro-Socio Club showcased digital satire, reflecting the impact of the movement on contemporary expression. Furthermore, hip-hop groups performed protest songs, demonstrating the connection between the July Movement and entertainment.
