On September 21, 2024, Bangladesh Research, Analysis & Information Network (BRAIN) arranged its inaugural seminar in Bishyo Shaitto Kendra at Poribagh, Dhaka, titled ‘Road to July’. The seminar was an occasion for a three-hour-long lecture, discussion, and exchange between famous political personalities and seminar attendees. The program started with a brief introductory and welcoming speech recorded by Dr Rumi Ahmed Khan, the convenor of BRAIN and residing in Austin, USA. Then journalist Kamrul Hasan gave a short speech about the long and painful political struggle that culminated in the July Uprising.
[Full Video of the Road to July Program. The video can also be seen at the Brainbd.org Youtube Channel https://youtube.com/@brain-24-bd?si=ydrXcVTRhqUVhwiE ]
After that, two opposition activists, who have suffered persecution for many years from the Awami regime due to their politics described their long and harrowing ordeal. Following the speech Saiyed Abdullah, a famous young activist and social media personality, gave a speech about student activism behind July Uprising. After that, Rumeen Farhana, an opposition political leader and famous media personality described her personal journey over the years, facing numerous threats and obstacles by the regime due to her prominent opposition activism. The final speaker was famous political analyst, Dr Zahed ur Rahman. He critically analyzed and described the long political, and social struggle that led to the final bursting of public fury in the nationwide July Uprising. At the end there was a lively Q*A session where the audience questioned Dr Zahed, Rumeen and Saiyed. They asked very penetrating and frank questions, and the invited lecturers answered the questions well with methodical elaboration.
