Nafsin Mehnaz Azireen | Photo: Collected

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of 2024 stands as a defining chapter in Bangladesh’s recent political and social history a moment when years of pent-up frustration, injustice, and inequality brought thousands of students and young people to the streets. In this wave of defiance, hundreds of women rose to prove that courage knows no gender or boundary. Among these voices, one name has emerged as an icon for a new generation Nafsin Mehenaz Azireen.

Few knew Nafsin before the movement. A student of English Literature at North South University, she was known more for her books than for any public activism. But in July 2024, the harsh realities of political injustice, rampant commercialisation of education, and unchecked abuse of power compelled her to break her silence.

A single Facebook post by a friend shook her deeply. Nafsin realised then that silence was no longer an option. From that moment, her first slogan echoed through Dhaka’s streets No more tyranny- people’s rights must prevail!

Nafsin Mehnaz Azireen | Photo: Facebook

What began as the voice of an ordinary university student quickly made international headlines. Her journey from the quiet corners of campus to the frontlines of protest set a new standard for courage and civic duty for women across Bangladesh.

On August 5, 2024 a day many now refer to as Bangladesh’s “Second Independence” years of sustained student-led protests culminated in the downfall of an authoritarian regime. On that historic day too, Nafsin did not return home.

This victory belongs to the people, not to any single party, she said then, reminding the nation that the struggle must continue until true democracy, justice, and basic rights are fully realised.

Though many expected her to join mainstream politics after the movement’s triumph, Nafsin chose a different path. She remains unaffiliated with any political party and describes herself simply as a conscious citizen and student. For her, the unity of people and the power of educational institutions as spaces of resistance are far greater than party lines.

Bangladeshi authorities have used unlawful force against student protesters and failed to ensure their protection during the ongoing ‘Bangla-Blockade’ quota-reform protest across the country. | Photo: Amnesty International

True to this spirit, Nafsin has continued to speak out. Recently, her slogan “July Belongs to No One’s Father” dominated national headlines as she opposed attempts by political parties to claim the July Movement’s legacy for themselves.

“No single party or family can own July,” she declared. “It belongs to everyone who calls this country home.”

July Women’s Day

In recognition of the bravery shown by women like Nafsin, the current interim government has officially declared July 14 as ‘July Women’s Day.’ The new generation now observes this day as more than just a commemoration it is a vow to stand against injustice and oppression wherever they arise.

Today, Nafsin Mehenaz Azireen is more than just a university student. She is a symbol of defiance a voice of rebellion against injustice. In her own words: “As long as there is injustice, our protest will not stop.”

One day, her fight and her courage will be inscribed in the pages of Bangladesh’s history a timeless reminder that when voices unite, no force can silence them.

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