Washington, D.C., July 15, 2024 — Right to Freedom (R2F), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN) and the Bangladesh American Alliance (BAA), convened a high-level congressional briefing titled “The Journey Towards Justice, Reform, and Democracy – Bangladesh Today” at the Capitol Visitor Center. The session brought together lawmakers, diplomats, scholars, and diaspora leaders to examine Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape following the 2024 pro-democracy uprising.

Opening the program, Jon Danilowicz, President of Right to Freedom, reflected on the transformative significance of the 2024 movement and the aspirations it continues to inspire.

In keynote remarks, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 37th District) reflected on the Bangladesh’s recent journey from authoritarianism to democracy and urged stronger U.S. support for democratic consolidation in South Asia. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA, 2nd District) emphasized human rights as a central pillar of U.S. foreign policy and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Bangladesh’s democratic progress.

The event featured two in-depth panel discussions. The first, moderated by Farhana Sultana, focused on the interim government’s reforms and the prospects for long-term political stability. Panelists included Catherine Cooper of RFK Human Rights, Auroni Semonti Khan of Jagannath University, and Dina Siddiqi of New York University.

The second panel, moderated by Shamarukh Mohiuddin of Cadmus Group, examined Bangladesh’s global partnerships and geopolitical strategy. Speakers included former U.S. Ambassador Dan Mozena, Michael Kugelman, Founding Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Moushumi Khan, Senior Advisor at The Asia Group, and Ehteshamul Haque, Adjunct Associate Professor at American University.

Attended by policymakers, think tanks, journalists, academics, private sector leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, the event provided a critical platform for dialogue. Discussions underscored the importance of governance reform, human rights protections, and strengthened U.S.–Bangladesh relations, while reinforcing the need for ongoing advocacy, research, and international collaboration.