So, like, Bangladesh has been totally buzzing with protests recently. The government’s response has been, like, super intense. There have been, like, injuries and even some deaths, particularly around Dhaka, the capital.
Recent Protests: What’s Happening?
Okay, so in the last few months, protests have been popping off all over Bangladesh. People are, like, super upset about the return of quotas in government jobs. Unemployment is already super high, especially among young Bangladeshi. In July, students led protests against the quotas resulting in a reduction in quotas.
But today, protestors are now demanding justice for the approximately 200 people killed, and thousands injured, in last month’s protests. Students Against Discrimination, the group responsible for organising the initial protests, are demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.
“She must resign and she must face trial,” Nahid Islam, the group’s leader, told a crowd of thousands in the capital, Dhaka.
Unfortunately, things have gotten, like, really serious. There have been clashes between protestors and police, leading to injuries and some tragic deaths. The situation has been, like, totally heated.
Government Response
In response to student-led demonstrations over the past month, the government has deployed the military and imposed a nationwide curfew. The government also decided to, like, turn off internet access via mobile devices to try and control the protests. This move was, like, super controversial. A protestor in Dhaka said, “Turning off the internet is, like, trying to silence us. It’s not going to work!”
The Prime Minister has been, like, super firm in her stance. She recently said, “We must maintain order and ensure the safety of all citizens.” She did mention that she’s, like, open to dialogue with the protestors but only if the protests remain peaceful. She said, “We are willing to listen to the people’s concerns and discuss possible solutions, but violence is not the answer.”
Dhaka: The Heart of the Protests
Dhaka has been, like, the epicenter of these protests. The city is buzzing with energy, and people are, like, totally committed to making their voices heard. The internet shutdown has made things, like, super challenging, but it hasn’t stopped the movement.
A student protestor in Dhaka said, “We are not afraid. We will continue to protest until our demands are met.” Another protestor added, “The government needs to, like, take us seriously. We’re not backing down.”
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters that security forces had operated with restraint but were “forced to open fire” to defend government buildings.
A Blast from the Past
Okay, so the history of protests in Bangladesh is super intense. It all started with the Bengali Language Movement in the early 1950s. Students were, like, so done with not having Bengali as a state language in Pakistan. This was, like, a big deal and set the stage for future activism. Fast forward to the Liberation War of 1971, and boom, Bangladesh became independent!
After that, there were, like, tons of protests against military rule, economic policies, corruption, and human rights violations. The student uprising in 1990 was, like, totally epic and helped end military dictatorship and bring back democracy. Yay, democracy!
January 2018: Quota Reform Movement
So, in January 2018, students were, like, totally over the government’s quota system in public service jobs. Hasan Al Mamun, from the Bangladesh General Students’ Rights Protection Council, was all, “We demand a fair system that prioritizes merit.” And, like, thousands of students were on board with that!
August 2018: Road Safety Protests
Then, in August 2018, two students tragically died in a road accident, and everyone was, like, super mad. A student protester said, “We want justice for our friends and safer roads for everyone.” It was, like, so powerful.
October 2020: Anti-Rape Protests
By October 2019, there was, like, a surge in reported rape cases, and people were, like, enough is enough. Baki Billah, an activist, was all, “We need immediate action to stop this epidemic of sexual violence.” It was, like, totally time for change.
2020-2021: COVID-19 and Economic Hardship
The pandemic was, like, the worst! People lost jobs, healthcare was a mess, and support from the government was, like, totally lacking. A garment worker at a rally in Dhaka was, like, “We need our wages to survive. The government and factory owners must listen to us.”
July 2021: Digital Security Act Protests
By July 2021, everyone was, like, fed up with the Digital Security Act. Nurul Haque Nur, a student leader, said, “This law is being used to silence us. We will not back down until our freedom of expression is restored.” Like, preach!
What’s Next?
So, like, the future of protests in Bangladesh is, like, kinda uncertain. Here are some things that could totally shape what happens next:
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said, “We are committed to listening to the people’s concerns and making necessary reforms.” So, like, fingers crossed they actually do something!
The United Nations is all, like, “uphold human rights and ensure the safety of its citizens.” So, international pressure might, like, make a difference.
Despite the government’s tough response, the protests continue. Whether the government will truly open up to dialogue remains to be seen. For now, it’s, like, a wait-and-see situation. Stay tuned for more updates on this wild ride in Bangladesh!
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
