When the first chants echoed across Dhaka during the July Uprising, they weren’t only carried by student activists. The protests were amplified by microphones held by musicians, actors, filmmakers and cultural activists.
From the early days of protest to the eventual downfall of the Awami League regime, which had ruled for over 15 years, celebrities played an unexpected yet undeniable role in elevating the people’s revolution to new heights – the July Uprising.
While protests are often thought of as the domain of the politically engaged, the July Uprising proved that when art meets activism, movements gain rhythm, reach and resonance. Showbiz figures like Azmeri Haque Badhon, Khijir Hayat Khan and Lutfor Hasan didn’t just stand on the sidelines; they made it a point to join the protests – fearless and beckoning with surreal triumph in their hearts.
Speaking to The Times of Bangladesh, these artists reflected on the July Uprising — its past, present, and reforms — and shared their visions for the future of a reformed Bangladesh and the entertainment industry.
“I envision Bangladesh as a fearless, just and empathetic nation that truly values human causes. That was my inspiration to join the protests,” said Badhon. “The July Uprising is a moment of epic achievement for us — one that will forever be etched into the country’s history.”
Reflecting on her hopes for a reformed Bangladesh, she added, “I dream of a just and fair nation where justice prevails across all walks of life, where there’s no room for discrimination — regardless of caste, religion or ethnicity — and where every citizen is aware of and entitled to their constitutional rights.”
While Badhon admits that her expectations have not been fully met under the interim government, she remains cautiously optimistic. “I’m now waiting for the elections and an elected government that will, hopefully, govern better and implement the reforms needed to take Bangladesh to new heights.”
“Any government that has failed to do so — or will fail in the future—is a failure,” she concluded, paying her respect to the martyrs of the July Uprising.
Artistic and cultural practices have long stood at the heart of resistance movements, serving as powerful tools to challenge injustice and spark collective consciousness. From protest songs and street theatre to visual art and poetry, creative expression has provided a voice to the voiceless, preserved histories of oppression and galvanised communities into action. In the face of censorship, violence or systemic erasure, art has consistently found ways to subvert dominant narratives and build solidarity. The participation of showbiz stars stands as a testament to this.
Filmmaker and actor Khijir Hayat Khan was one of the many artists who became an inseparable part of the movement. Explaining what compelled him to join the protests, he said, “Sidelining all political beliefs and affiliations, I simply wanted to focus on how the state abused its constitutional powers to torture and openly murder its own people. Anyone with a conscience would have done the same — it’s hard to accept the state’s complicity in the killings of its citizens.”
On his expectations from the interim government, Khan admitted, “I had hoped Bangladesh would find a new path, but it seems the interim government cannot run the country effectively. That said, I also recognise that the past year has been a struggle for them, as both internal and external propaganda made governance increasingly difficult.”
Khan believes the interim authority is trying to govern fairly, though not without flaws. “It will take more time for us to reach true democracy. In the 55 years of Bangladesh’s existence, only the years between 1991 and 2001 saw something close to transparent democracy. The rest were periods of fascism, military rule or autocracy disguised as democracy.”
Yet, like Badhon, Khan remains hopeful. “Everyone must remain honest and carry out their responsibilities with diligence,” he said.
When asked about reforms in the entertainment industry, Khan’s response was marked with frustration. “I’ve yet to witness real reform. What disappoints me most is that no political party, old or new, truly cares about arts and culture. They fail to understand that a nation’s growth is deeply tied to its educational and cultural foundations.”
He expressed hope for meaningful change in the media industry, regardless of which party assumes office next. As a final word of caution, he said, “The people of Bangladesh successfully brought down a 15-year-long fascist regime and they will not hesitate to do it again if needed.”
The presence of these figures forced a reckoning in Bangladesh’s mainstream media industry. While major TV channels and newspapers were initially cautious in covering the uprising, the visibility of well-known faces on the streets made censorship harder to maintain. A-list participation gave the protests legitimacy, not only in the eyes of citizens but also on a global scale.
Singer-songwriter Lutfor Hasan also weighed in on the movement and its aftermath. “It was my moral duty to stand against the fascist regime and support those who risked and even gave their lives to secure our freedom,” he said.
Reflecting on the state of the country a year later, Hasan acknowledged widespread disappointment but offered a more measured perspective. “Many are disheartened that their expectations haven’t been met, but I see it differently. The fascist regime was in power for a long time. Nothing happens in a vacuum; there are countless obstacles and deeply rooted issues that will take time to address.”
Like others, Hasan remains hopeful. “I remind myself that change takes time. I haven’t lost hope yet. With elections approaching, I believe an elected government may be better positioned to implement the changes our systems so badly need. But if anyone tries to seize fascist power again, we will rise up once more. We are not affiliated with or against any political party. We are ordinary citizens of Bangladesh and all we want is to stand against injustice.”
On the topic of entertainment industry reforms, Hasan remains cautiously optimistic. “This is a moment of distress across all sectors. We can’t expect these issues to be resolved overnight. With time, many things will improve and reform, after all, it is always a long process.”
A grassroots movement titled ‘Koilja Kapano 36 Din’ organised a multimedia exhibition at the National Museum, curated by a collective of artists, many of whom were prominent figures in the country’s creative industry. The event served not just as a remembrance of resistance, but a declaration that art was not a byproduct of the revolution; it was its backbone.
Though the political tides have since shifted, the cultural wave continues. New music, theatre and cinema born from the uprising are being released, not just to commemorate but to caution.
Celebrities who once feared backlash now speak regularly on political issues. And young people — many of whom first engaged with the revolution through a reel or a lyric — are stepping into activism with a new sense of ownership.
As history continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the July Uprising was not only a testament to the power of the people but also to the power of art, voice and celebrity when wielded with conscience.