Tanzila Akter Tanu, a participant in the July Revolution, recounted her experience of being shot six times while protesting against injustice and authoritarianism. She described standing unarmed with other female students at Jatrabari’s Kutubkhali on August 4, when police opened fire. Despite severe injuries, she was rescued by an unknown person and later treated in hospital. Her story, shared with journalist Amanur Rahman, highlights the courage and sacrifice of women during the uprising.

Tanu said her main inspiration came from witnessing Abu Sayeed’s defiant stance in Rangpur on July 16, which symbolized resistance and erased her fear. She also recalled the deaths of fellow protesters Mir Mugdho, Farhan Faiyaz, and Yamin as further motivation. The long recovery period left her financially and emotionally strained, but she continues to view the revolution as a triumph over fear.

Reflecting on the movement’s outcomes, Tanu believes the revolution freed people from long-standing fear and repression. She urged the state to ensure rehabilitation and medical care for victims’ families and called on the new generation to build an equitable, corruption-free Bangladesh.