NSU hosts dialogue on democratic transition

Abstract

The Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) at North South University, in collaboration with Germany’s Arnold Bergstrasser Institute, organised a dialogue and three-day photo exhibition marking the anniversary of Bangladesh’s July uprising. Inaugurated by Mr. M A Kashem, founder life member of the NSU Trust, the event titled “One Year On: Revisiting the Role of Youth and Bangladesh’s Transition Towards Democracy” brought together academics, legal experts, activists, and international representatives. The event was chaired by the vice-chancellor of North South University, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, and law adviser Professor Asif Nazru was the chief guest. Speakers highlighted the youth-led movement of 2024 as a transformative democratic struggle rooted in memory, sacrifice, and education. Discussions focused on constitutional reforms, human rights, political accountability, and the need to prioritise marginalised voices. Emotional testimonies from victims’ families and survivors underscored the movement’s human cost, while participants collectively stressed the importance of preserving the spirit of unity beyond political divisions. The dialogue concluded with a call for education-driven democratic values and reforms to ensure lasting change.