“Holding the Line for Democracy in Bangladesh: One Year Since the July Revolution,” written by Farhana Sultana, professor of geography and the environment, was published by Counterpoint. Following is an excerpt:

Over the last year, I have focused on highlighting Bangladesh’s democratic struggles so they are not forgotten or misunderstood amid the vast disinformation campaigns against Bangladesh. In the Congressional briefing to U.S. lawmakers and policymakers on July 15, that I have co-organized, called “The Journey towards Justice, Reform, and Democracy—Bangladesh Today: One Year After the July Revolution,” our goal is to emphasize the importance of supporting democratic transitions in Bangladesh. 

This is not about party affiliation or ideological preference, it is about upholding principles of justice, accountability, and civil rights. By bringing together leading activists and experts on and from Bangladesh, alongside U.S. policymakers, the event takes stock of democratic progress in Bangladesh 2.0 and its evolving geopolitical role amid national, regional, and global challenges.

The diaspora must continue to advocate for the people of Bangladesh. Not for the interests of factions or individuals, but for the vision of a country where governance is accountable to its citizens and truly serves them. The solidarity from a year ago must not fade, despite any temptation to move on, to reduce the uprising to an event, a news cycle, a historical marker.