July 29, 2024: Grief Turns to Resolve

As news spread of the coerced video statements, protests erupted once again. In Dhaka and across the country, students and citizens took to the streets. Many wore red cloth over their eyes and mouths—a symbol of silencing, of blood, and of mourning.

On that same day, the ruling coalition held a high-level meeting and announced a ban on the Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Shibir. The government declared a day of national mourning for those killed in the unrest.

The movement rejected the gesture.

To the students, it felt hollow. A day of mourning declared by the same regime that had presided over disappearances and deaths could not bring closure. Instead, they launched a visual protest. People from all walks of life posted photos online with red cloth tied around their faces. The message was clear. Silence could be powerful. But it could also be chosen.