
Depicting the Various Facets of the July Revolution through Student-Created Graffiti on the Walls of Bangladesh. In July 2024, a historic revolution took place in the political landscape of Bangladesh, born out of mass protests led by students and ordinary citizens. To portray this revolution, student-created graffiti art on the walls of Bangladesh played a pivotal role, illustrating various aspects of the movement. These artworks are not merely historical records but symbols of the nation’s struggle.
1. Illustrations of the Fight for Rights
The July Revolution was a dual movement: one demanding quota reforms and the other advocating for political rights.

The graffiti carried numerous messages, with the word “rights” repeatedly standing out. Bold slogans like “Who are you, who am I? War criminals, war criminals!” adorned city walls, reflecting the courage and demands of the people.
2. Tribute to Martyrs
The graffiti honored the martyrs’ sacrifices, especially after the killing of Abu Sayeed in Rangpur, who gave his life to sustain the movement. His portrait and depictions of his sacrifice were painted on walls, ensuring that future generations remember the martyrs’ legacy as an inspiration.
3. Aspiration for Equality and Justice
The revolution was not only about political change but also symbolized social transformation. Through their graffiti, students demanded the eradication of inequality in society. Repeated use of words like “justice” and “equality” in their slogans highlighted their ultimate goal: establishing a just and well-governed society.
4. Protest Against Autocratic Rule
The rebellious spirit of Bangladesh’s youth was vividly depicted in graffiti. Amid curfews, military showdowns, and internet blackouts during the movement, students used their art to voice resistance. Slogans like “Down with the government” or “Against tyranny” were boldly displayed on city walls.
5. Unity in the Movement
The core strength of the July Revolution was unity. Graffiti showed unified groups of students holding placards, reflecting the solidarity of the movement. These images depicted how students organized resistance and inspired people from all walks of life to join them.
6. National Consciousness and the Vision of a New Bangladesh
Through their graffiti, revolutionaries expressed dreams of a new Bangladesh. Slogans like “Independence, democracy, and human rights for Bangladesh” prominently adorned walls. Symbols of a new dawn, visions of the future, and hopes for rebuilding the nation were recurrent themes in these artworks.
7. Symbolic Language of the Struggle
Student artists used symbolic language in their graffiti to portray the struggle for change. Images of determined faces, oppressed individuals, and streets stained with martyrs’ blood brought out the depth and human aspects of the revolution.
8. The Power of Democratic Movements
A significant feature of the July Revolution was the democratic nature of the movement, a fight led by the masses. The graffiti displayed protesters’ faces, their demonstrations, and their commitment to democracy, embodying the people’s resolve to establish their rights.
9. The Turbulent Days of the Revolution
The turbulent days of the July Revolution were vividly captured on city walls. From curfews to attempts to suppress the movement, such as through the support of rickshaw pullers, laborers, and farmers, the graffiti portrayed the collective struggle and aspirations of the people.
10. The Promise of the Future
Through their art, students presented a vision of a new dawn and hope for a better world. Their graffiti marked the revolution as the beginning of a new era, aspiring to build a Bangladesh characterized by people’s empowerment, human rights, and democracy.
Conclusion
Student-created graffiti on the walls of Bangladesh reflected every dimension of the July Revolution. These artworks are not just representations of a movement but also the beginning of a new chapter for the nation’s civil society. Through their art, the revolutionaries not only fought on the streets but also envisioned the country’s future. This graffiti serves as a reminder that a nation’s struggle never truly ends—it becomes a powerfu
l source of inspiration for generations to come.