The Monsoon Protest Archives, a global digital platform established to collect and preserve evidence from Bangladesh’s July 2024 mass uprising, was formally launched on Wednesday at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy.
Jointly convened by the Tech Global Institute, the International Truth and Justice Project, and Netra News, the initiative aims to support truth-seeking, justice, and accountability for survivors and victims of the historic anti-government protests that culminated in the fall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
Organizers announced that the archive already contains documented information on 933 victims, with more testimonies, files, and materials continuing to arrive from families of July protesters, human rights organizations, and independent investigators.
According to the convening groups, core operations of the archive began in mid-July 2024, focusing on the collection, authentication, and preservation of digital evidence.
The platform also conducts research and advocacy in support of truth-recovery efforts and pushes for international accountability mechanisms.
Families of those killed during the uprising attended the launch, many expressing frustration over the absence of justice.
Shamseyara Zaman, mother of Tahir Zaman Priyo who was killed in the uprising, said the long wait for justice has left many families wondering if their children’s sacrifices will ever be recognized.
“After a year and a half, it sometimes feels like our children might have made a mistake,” she said.
Jasmine Akhter, sister of July victim Hridoy, recounted that police dragged her brother to his death on August 5, 2024, and that the family has still not recovered his body.
“Hridoy’s name has not even been included in the official list of July martyrs,” she said, explaining that despite submitting documents to several agencies, the family has received no support.
“I have only one request, that my brother Hridoy be recognized as a martyr,” she added.
Families of several other victims were also present at the launch.
The Monsoon Protest Archives is supported by an international network of lawyers, researchers, and investigators specializing in international criminal law, open-source intelligence, forensic technology, and journalism.
Its contributing partners include the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Manabidhikar Sangskriti Foundation, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, the July Revolutionary Alliance, and the July Massacre Archive.
Organizers said the initiative will continue compiling legal case files, mapping patterns of violence, and identifying suspected perpetrators with the intention of advancing sanctions and international universal-jurisdiction actions.
