On July 15, 2025, over 50 policymakers, academics, activists, and community leaders gathered at the Capitol Visitor Center for “The Journey Towards Justice, Reform, and Democracy – Bangladesh Today,” marking the first anniversary of Bangladesh’s historic July 2024 uprising. BRAIN, along with the Right to Freedom and the Bangladesh-America Alliance, co-organized the event.
The welcome address was provided by Jon Danilowicz, President, Right to Freedom. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support for Bangladesh’s democratic transition and highlighting the interim government’s progress on human rights reforms. “Bangladesh’s journey toward justice serves as an inspiration for democratic movements worldwide,” Doggett remarked. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA), co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission described his continued optimism about Bangladesh. “We may not be able to change the past, but we can all help shape the future,” McGovern said.
The event’s first panel, “Lessons from the July Uprising,” moderated by Professor Farhana Sultana, examined the interim government’s achievements over the past year. Panelists Catherine Cooper (RFK Human Rights Foundation), Islamul Haque (Yale University and BRAIN), Auroni Semonti Khan (Jagannath University), and Dina Siddiqi (NYU) discussed significant advances in press freedom, judicial reforms, and civil society engagement while acknowledging ongoing challenges (Haque could not be present but sent his remarks).
The second panel, “Bangladesh 2.0 and the World,” explored Bangladesh’s evolving geopolitical positioning. Former Ambassador Daniel Mozena, Michael Kugelman (Foreign Policy Magazine), Moushumi Khan (The Asia Group), and Ehteshamul Haque (BRAIN) analyzed how the new Bangladesh is navigating complex regional dynamics and building international partnerships.
Key themes throughout the day included the interim government’s commitment to electoral reforms, progress on accountability measures, and the country’s strategic approach to balancing relationships with major powers. Participants noted the remarkable transformation from authoritarian rule to a more open political environment.
BRAIN members in the event: From left to right Ehteshamul Haque, Rashed T Khan, Shamarukh Mahiuddin, Saif Shah Mohammad and Jon Danilowicz
The event concluded with closing remarks from BRAIN executive Saif I Shah Mohammed and Bangladesh America Alliance Co-Chair Kawsar Chowdhury, both of whom emphasized continued U.S.-Bangladesh collaboration in supporting democratic consolidation.
Co-organizers Right to Freedom, Bangladesh America Alliance, and BRAIN expressed gratitude to all participants for contributing to this vital dialogue on Bangladesh’s democratic future.
