Prof Ali Riaz said the fascist government was compelled to retreat in the face of united resistance from all quarters

National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz today said the anti-discrimination student movement, which began in July 2024 as a stand against fascism, took a decisive turn on July 14.

He noted that in response to disparaging remarks directed at the movement’s participants, female students—particularly from Dhaka University—took to the streets in protest at midnight.

"The powerful voices of women amplified the movement against this dishonour, and the fascist regime was ultimately forced to retreat in the face of collective resistance," Prof Riaz said while speaking at the opening of the 13th day of the second phase of talks between political parties and the Commission at the Foreign Service Academy.

The meeting was also attended by Commission members Justice Emdadul Haque, Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Dr Md Ayub Mia, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Safar Raj Hossain, and Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.

Prof Riaz noted that the Ministry of Culture has officially declared July 14 as 'July Women's Day' in recognition of the pivotal role women played in the student movement. He emphasized the need to establish an institutional framework that ensures women's meaningful participation in state-building processes.

He called for creating pathways for women to engage with dignity in politics, governance, and lawmaking, and expressed optimism that consensus could be reached on this issue.

Representatives from 30 political parties—including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, Gana Sanghati Andolon, Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Biplobi Workers Party, and Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party—are participating in today’s discussions.

According to a Commission press release, today’s agenda includes discussions on women’s representation and the proposal for a bicameral legislature.