[🇧🇩] Student Revolution: Lessons from Bangladesh

[Saif]

Protecting the 'Revolution'

The revolution or the mass upsurge of July-August in Bangladesh was undoubtedly a successful one, which made an apparent impossibility a reality and ignited new hopes and expectations in society. Those who led the movement had stated in clear terms at the very outset that they wanted to establish a

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Protecting the 'Revolution'
Helal Uddin Ahmed
Published :
Nov 04, 2024 22:02
Updated :
Nov 04, 2024 22:02

The revolution or the mass upsurge of July-August in Bangladesh was undoubtedly a successful one, which made an apparent impossibility a reality and ignited new hopes and expectations in society. Those who led the movement had stated in clear terms at the very outset that they wanted to establish a discrimination-free new Bangladesh. Thereafter, the students and masses of the country staged a vigorous rebellion that expelled a deeply entrenched fascist, autocratic, and mafia-like regime. Consequently, people can now rightly expect that a social transformation would materialise soon. As consolidating a mass-upsurge is no different than doing the same for a revolution, similar experiences in other parts of the world should now be looked at and emulated wherever applicable in case of Bangladesh.

The revolutionary leader of modern China Mao Zedong had asserted: "Revolution is not a dinner party, nor an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly, and modestly." At the same time, he also asserted: "Politics is war without bloodshed, while war is politics with bloodshed." But materialising the aims of the mass upsurge for a discrimination-free Bangladesh with the help of an archaic bureaucracy that has its origin and orientations rooted in the colonial past will indeed be difficult if the existing constitution and its contradictory legal stipulations are adhered to. Bangladesh needs to find a path forward by shunning the colonial traditions. But this struggle for transformation and progress appears to be getting mired in the quicksand of indecisiveness.

Some observers opine that the organizers of the mass upsurge should have entered into dialogues with the masses all over the country immediately after the event. Some civil society members and politicians have been doing this, but the initiatives so far fell far short of requirement. Besides, a large proportion of these dialogues were confined to the gentlemen class in society. Therefore, it is not yet clear for how long the ideological mooring of Bangla-Spring can remain robust. The leaders of the mass upsurge should now focus more on the general masses by attaching lesser priority to the gentlemen classes and bureaucracy. They should do this if they really believe that the mass people were the real architects of this new chapter in Bangladesh's history, and real advancements can be made only through the participation of all segments of society. Global experiences point to the need for inclusiveness in deciding on the post-revolution pathways by regularly sitting with the masses. Revolution becomes a celebration only by treading that path.

Although the July-August revolution had mingled with the essence of a 15-year-long movement against the fascist regime by various classes and professions, it was also true that the final chapter was enacted within a mere two months. The limitations of such a cataclysmic change within such a short time is that many people could not absorb the ideological aspirations and responsibilities in their own contexts, although they spontaneously participated in the movement. These people will become protectors of the revolution only when they identify themselves with those ideologies. Millions of such supporters are needed for sustaining this revolution. This task cannot be done by the leaders of the student-led movement against discrimination alone. All people facing discriminations in society and governance should be included in this fold. Reforming the state will be difficult without including maximum number of such deprived people in the process. The political parties are usually the mainstay in any process for change. But initiatives for addressing the aspirations for change among the masses appear to be lacking among many political parties.

Some observers also hold the view that it is for the first time after independence that the mass people are seeking to create a new society. They want to come out of their decades-long frustration with the state by becoming an engine for change. The responsibility of including these people in this celebration of change squarely falls on the leaders of the mass upsurge. And the celebration will yield success only when significant improvements are made in the status of the teeming millions living in the lower echelons of society. No reactionary forces can stop this onward journey if food, clothing, shelter, education, and medical care of the common people are ensured. The employment of workers and the interests of farmers should be prioritised alongside ensuring easy availability of essential commodities at fair price. Many people are now dwelling on the superstructures while discussing reforms. But the poorer segments of society are not getting that much attention. There should be more discussions about the problems faced by the farmers and workers.

Worryingly, a segment of the civil society is already spreading scepticism about the strength and future of the mass upsurge. It should also be kept in mind that such segments remain apprehensive about losing their own positions and status in case of sweeping changes. At the end of the day, they cannot rise above their individual or group interests. The focus of interest of some of these people are now administrative centres, but the root causes of many ailments facing the society and country over previous decades lie at this very spot. In fact, the most pressing challenge for the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus is to make the administration pro-people. This can happen if the revolution defies the vested interests of the upper classes. The tide of the mass upsurge for a discrimination-free society cannot and should not be liberal with the discriminatory systems still in place, as the revolution cannot be protected in this way.

The widespread support received by the interim government has been unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh. After so much bloodletting, the government now occupies a unique position of authority, from where there is no scope to embrace failure. There is no option for it but to follow an inclusive path through regular interactions with all stakeholders including the political parties, the civic organizations, and representatives of various professions and classes.​

 

[Saif]

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forms Narail committee

With its aim to establish district-level committees nationwide, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has now formed a 51-member convening committee in Narail district

www.thedailystar.net

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forms Narail committee

With its aim to establish district-level committees nationwide, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has now formed a 51-member convening committee in Narail district.

This marks their third convening committee at the district level after Kushtia and Chuadanga.

Earlier, on November 2, they formed a 111-member committee in Kushtia, followed by another committee in Chuadanga on November 4.

The 101-member convening committee for Narail district was announced on Wednesday evening through the official Facebook page of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The announcement was signed by the movement's convenor, Hasnat Abdullah, and member secretary, Arif Sohel.

Rafayetul Haque Tomal has been named the convener while Md Shafayet was made the member secretary of the 51- member convening committee.

In other key positions, Quazi Yazur Rahman Babu was made the chief organiser and Nusrat Jahan was named the spokesperson.

In addition, six were appointed as joint convenors, seven as joint member secretaries, three as organisers, and 31 as members.​

 

[Saif]

Rickshaw that carried revolution martyr finds place in museum

The rickshaw that carried Golam Nafiz, a martyr of the anti-discrimination movement, will be preserved at the Mass Revolution Memorial Museum, Nahid Islam, ICT and Information adviser announced today

www.thedailystar.net

Rickshaw that carried revolution martyr finds place in museum

Photo: Collected

The rickshaw that carried Golam Nafiz, a martyr of the anti-discrimination movement, will be preserved at the Mass Revolution Memorial Museum, Nahid Islam, ICT and Information adviser announced today.

He made the statement while visiting the rickshaw at the Gono Bhaban, according to a media release from the Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Ministry.

During the handover of the rickshaw at Gono Bhaban, the adviser expressed gratitude to the rickshaw-puller, Noor Mohammad, for his bravery and assured him of financial support.

The release further said that following a recent media report about the sale of the rickshaw by Noor Mohammad, Nahid Islam immediately instructed his team to locate both the rickshaw and the rickshaw-puller. It was later revealed that Noor had sold the rickshaw for Tk 35,000 to a London-based expatriate. After communication, the expatriate agreed to donate the rickshaw to the museum.

Golam Nafiz, a student of Banani Bidyaniketan School and College, was shot near the Farmgate foot overbridge on August 4. When the police lifted the bullet-riddled Nafiz and placed him on the rickshaw passenger's footrest, he was still gripping the rickshaw's rod with his hand. Although the rickshaw-puller rushed him to a hospital, it was too late to save him.​

 

[Saif]

Students to resist AL event today

The student movement against discrimination will hold a mass gathering at Zero Point in the capital’s Gulistan today, demanding trial of the Awami League.

www.thedailystar.net

Students to resist AL event today

The student movement against discrimination will hold a mass gathering at Zero Point in the capital's Gulistan today, demanding trial of the Awami League.

The students' platform will begin the programme at 12:00pm in which, it said, all pro-mass uprising political parties and cultural organisations will participate.

Hasnat Abdullah, a key coordinator of the movement, made the announcement on his verified Facebook page, calling on people to observe similar programmes in every district.

The student body came up with the announcement a day after the Awami League urged its leaders and activists to gather at Noor Hossain Chattar (Zero Point) at 3:00pm today to observe the Shaheed Noor Hossain Day.

Noor Hossain, then a 26-year-old leader of Jubo League, was killed in police firing on November 10, 1987, while protesting against the then autocratic rule of Ershad at the Zero Point.

The AL said it will stage the programme to demand restoration of democracy, according to a press release posted on its official Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the interim government has sounded a stern warning against the AL taking to the street.

Terming the AL a "fascist" party, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday said the government will not allow it to hold any protest. "The Awami League in its current form is a fascist party. There is no way this fascist party will be allowed to hold protests in Bangladesh," he said in a Facebook post.

Alam also warned against any attempts to organise rallies or processions by taking orders from "mass murderer and dictator Sheikh Hasina". If anyone tries to do so, the law enforcers will deal with it strictly, he said, adding that the interim government will not tolerate violence or any attempt to break public order in the country.

Asif Mahmud, youth and sports adviser, in his verified Facebook account, yesterday said if any members of banned organisations or perpetrators of genocide attempt to hold events, law enforcement will take strict action.

Announcing the mass gathering, Hasnat Abdullah, in his Facebook post, urged all to refrain from resorting to violence and not to create any public sufferings.

"Disguised [Awami] League criminals might carry out vandalism and arson and then shift responsibility onto the students and people. So If you find anyone from the [Awami] League, hand them over to the police," he wrote.

In another post, Hasnat urged the students of Dhaka College, Ideal College and City College to join what he called the "Apa Domon" (resist Sheikh Hasina) programme.

In another development, the Mirpur unit of the student movement in a statement last night said it will hold a sit-in at Mirpur 10 intersection from 9:30am onwards, and will start, around noon, installing plaques carrying the names of the July uprising martyrs on the walls of the traffic police box there.

Late last night, several hundred students and people gathered at Zero Point and their number was growing.

Witnesses said most of those present there were leaders and activists of the faction of Gono Odhikar Parishad led by Reza Kibria.

Tarek Rahman, joint member secretary of the organisation, said, "We are worried that Sheikh Hasina and her party leaders and activists have conspired to kill students…. No one can trust them. They don't hesitate to kill people."

Dhaka Metropolitan Police in a statement said it arrested 10 men on charges of trying to ruin Bangladesh's good relations with the US.

AL President Sheikh Hasina recently directed her party leaders and activists to use the US flag and photos of US president-elect Donald Trump while holding "illegal processions", said the statement.

Police recovered a large number of "provocative posters, placards with pictures" and money from the possession of the arrestees.​

 

[Saif]

Anti-discrimination students demand trial of AL leaders, activists

The anti-discrimination student movement on Sunday demanded the trial of Awami League (AL) leaders and activists for their crimes committed during the last 15 years. They made the demand from a protest meeting at the New Market Junction area this afternoon. Earlier, they brought out a procession f

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Anti-discrimination students demand trial of AL leaders, activists
FE Online Desk
Published :
Nov 10, 2024 21:19
Updated :
Nov 10, 2024 21:19

The anti-discrimination student movement on Sunday demanded the trial of Awami League (AL) leaders and activists for their crimes committed during the last 15 years.

They made the demand from a protest meeting at the New Market Junction area this afternoon. Earlier, they brought out a procession from the city’s Parade Corner area which paraded different city streets, reports BSS.

Chattogram Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinator Russel Ahmed and Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi addressed the meeting.

Speaking on this occasion, Russel Ahmed said that students had shed their blood on the streets to overthrow the fascist forces from Bangladesh at various times.

“We became united in 2024 by expelling the fascist Sheikh Hasina from the country...We want to make it clear that the people won’t allow her in the country anymore to do politics”.​

 

[Saif]

Fascism must not return

The Awami League government has been accused of repression, suppression, enforced disappearance, killing, mass murder and a fascist rule

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: Mahbubullah
Fascism must not return
Mahbubullah
Published: 10 Nov 2024, 14: 41

Dr Mahbubullah is a former professor of Dhaka University, a political analyst and an economist. He was a leader of the 1969 mass uprising. In an interview with Prothom Alo’s Sohrab Hassan and Monzurul Islam he talks about the 2024 student-peoples uprising, constitutional reforms, the future of democracy in Bangladesh and other issues.

Prothom Alo: Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government was toppled in the 5 August student-peoples uprising. We have entered a new phase. The last 15 years was a horrifying chapter for democracy. Why do we repeatedly trip up on the path of democracy?

Mahbubullah: I see the matter a bit differently. The people of this region have been fighting for democracy not just from Pakistan times, but from British times. The demand for a constitution was an important part of that struggle. After the 1947 partition, the first election to the provincial assembly was held in 1954. Then in 1956 a constitution came into effect in Pakistan. It took nearly 9 years to draw up this constitution.

However that constitution was cancelled due to Ayub Khan's takeover of power and enforcing martial law. In 1962 he came up with a constitution of his own, the constitution of Basic Democracy. According to that constitution the people wouldn't be able to select their representatives through direct vote.

After the 1971 liberation war, independent Bangladesh’s constitution was drafted and enacted. Many people congratulated the drafters for coming up with such good constitution in such a short span of time. They thought that this would bode well for them in the future. But there were flaws from the very outset in the drafting of that constitution. The question arose as to whether those who drafted the constitution at the time, had the mandate to do so.

The 1972 constitution did not, however, remain unchanged for long. Very soon after the constitution was put into effect, amendments began. By means of the fourth amendment, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ushered in a one-party rule to ensure they would remain in power permanently.

Sheikh Hasina had the same objectives. The fall of democracy and rise of fascism stems from politics to retain state power without elections or the consent of the people.

Prothom Alo: A debate prevails over whether to amend the constitution, rewrite it or draft it anew. What is your view on the matter?

Mahbubullah: No one has made any announcement that the present constitution of Bangladesh is going to be cancelled nor has it been rendered void. The constitution has been burdened by many undemocratic amendments. As the caretaker government system has been abolished, it is not possible to hold free and fair elections under this constitution.

I personally feel that it is not possible to make adjustments in this constitution to render it people-oriented. In the prevailing debate over amending or rewriting the constitution, I am in favour of rewriting it. I feel that recommendations should be taken from the political parties and the constitution rewritten on the basis of a consensus. But there should be no delays in the task.

Prothom Alo : Given the present circumstances, questions have arisen as to whether Awami League can carry out political activities and take part in the election or not. What do you think?

Mahbubullah: The time has not arrived yet as to whether Awami League can participate in the election or not. Politics is changing in the country. Many new questions are coming to the fore.

There are two opinions over whether Awami League will join the election or not. There are those in favour of allowing Awami League to practice politics, while many are in favour of banning the party or keeping it away from politics. However, if a party or a mindset exists in the society or the state, I do not think it can be kept away from politics or the election by force or by means of the law.

Prothom Alo: So what then?

Mahbubullah: The allegations against the Awami League government are extremely grave. They have been accused of repressing and suppressing the opposition, enforced disappearance, killing, mass murder and a fascist rule. They must be brought to trial. But then again, questions will arise if the leaders and activists of the party who do not face such allegations are prevented from practicing politics. They perhaps will be able to practice politics, after the trials are over.

The problem is that the judicial process in our country is extremely slow. So the process may not be complete before the election. The government should take measures to ensure this judicial process is carried out as speedily a possible. Actually the question of Awami League doing politics or not has created such circumstances where there is no best solution.

Over the past 15 years Awami League carried out all sorts of misdeeds and repression. During this mass uprising many protestors were killed. This has created extreme hatred and anger among the people and so anything related to Awami League is a symbol of wrongdoing and repression. That is why Awami League is being opposed at every step. That is only natural. Once people’s anger subsides, the situation may change in future. Then maybe they (Awami League) too will be able to practice politics.

A political party can be known by its activities when in power. The Awami League of 1971 and the post-1971 Awami League are not one and the same. During the Awami League government from 1972 to 1975, an autocratic rule had prevailed too. And through the misrule or fascist rule over the past 15 years, the party had gradually been heading down a suicidal path. That culminated in the fall of the government on 5 August this year.

Prothom Alo: The student organisations associated with the political parties had been at the leadership of the 1969 and 1990 mass uprisings. But it was the common students that lent leadership to the student-people’s uprising of 2024. Does this signify any change in politics?

Mahbubullah: Those who led the mass movement this time are known as the coordinators. Some of them were associated with the organisation Gonotrantrik Chhatra Shakti, though they do not mention that organisation much now. The effort for the students to organise under some name or the other indicates the need for an organisation. In countries like Bangladesh where the seeds of democracy have not sprouted, there is ample scope for student organisations to play a significant role.
The movement of the students this time was not just a students’ movement, but a movement in which people from all walks of life took part. The people were already prepared to oust Sheikh Hasina and that is why they rapidly joined hands with the students’ movement.

While the conventional student organisations were not at the leadership of the movement this time, large numbers of their leaders and activists played an active role in the movement. The issues of the movement were also the issues of the opposition political parties. So it really can’t be said that there has been any significant change in politics.

Prothom Alo : From past experience, would you say people have lost confidence in the regular political parties of Bangladesh?

Mahbubullah: That is what many people are saying, but I think this is baseless. It will be understood during the election whether people have lost confidence in the conventional political parties. Awami League destroyed the country’s electoral system. That electoral system must be fixed. After that when a fair election is held, the people’s confidence or lack of confidence will be clear.

Prothom Alo: Three months of the interim government have passed. How will you evaluate the activities of the government? There is noticeable dissatisfaction among the people concerning the law and order situation and the spiraling prices.

Mahbubullah: This government has taken up several good initiatives. Several commissions have been formed as part of the reform plans. We look forward to them coming up with the reforms needed for a fair and credible election.

But there are apprehensions regarding law and order as well as security. The people are anxious about the increase in robbery, theft and mugging. The reason behind this is that basically it is the police that are in charge of law and order in our country. The police are not being able to function effectively since 5 August. We hear that many members of the force have not returned to duty. Until the police force is fully effective, law and order will not improve.

Then there is the matter of increased prices. The price of essentials had been spiralling from when the past government was in power, not just over these last three months. This trend has been continuing for the last four or five years.

A large number of exorbitant mega projects had been taken up during the last government. The expenditure on the mega projects had been three to four times higher than that of other countries. Funds had been wasted in many other ways too. At various times extra currency was printed to keep the situation in check. This increased the circulation of money in the market, pushing up prices. It will take time to rectify this situation.

If people can speak out, then I will feel that we are moving towards democracy. If people cannot open up and speak their minds, that fascism may just return in a different name and a different form.

Prothom Alo: BNP has asked the interim government to present a roadmap and hold the elections soon. What is you view on the matter?

Mahbubullah: The basic premise of the interim government is to create an environment conducive to free and fair elections. It is only natural for an election-oriented party like BNP to want a possible date or roadmap regarding the election. There is nothing wrong with BNP’s ask.

From the outward appearance of the government, it does not seem that they will remain in power for long. Dr Yunus himself said that the he will not remain in power if the people do not want it. I do not want to comment right now on whether anything else will occur in the future.

Prothom Alo : BNP and Jamaat at times launched a movement against the last government as an alliance and at times they held simultaneous movements. But in the changed circumstances after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, visible differences have emerged between BNP and Jamaat over various issues such as the election and reforms. How do you view this?

Mahbubullah: I feel Jamaat has received a huge boost to its confidence. They have an organised force and a huge cadre force, they managed to play a militant role in this movement. This led to an increase in their confidence. As a result, they imagine that they do not need anyone else’s support or help.

It is unfortunate if disunity emerges among the stakeholders before the country’s crisis has been properly resolved. It is unfortunate because Sheikh Hasina is sitting in India pulling strings to create unrest in the country here. That is why those who want democracy in the country should maintain unity, or at least a working relationship.

Prothom Alo: Is there a possibility of extremist right-wing forces arising in this juncture of power changing hands?

Mahbubullah: As far as I understand the character or nature of the people of this country, I do not foresee any such forces coming to power through the election or any other means in Bangladesh. Various groups and organisations took part in the movement this time and so certain religious icons caught the eye. Sheikh Hasina had unleashed a rule of repression and suppression over the past 15 years. The recent activities can be seen as a fallout of that.

I had mentioned in one of my writings that the psyche of Bangladesh’s people is somewhat like a pendulum, swinging at one time to the left and then to the right. At times we lean towards secular festivity and then again at time we see a rise in religious rituals. This indicates that the belief or world of consciousness of the people in this country is still in a state of flux. That is because our nation building problems have not been resolved. As a result, we fail to reach a consensus on broad issues as a nation.

The task of nation building is not easy and cannot be done speedily. This requires strong leadership. Politics must go deeper. Politics based on mere slogans won’t do.

Prothom Alo: Are you hopeful about the future of Bangladesh’s democracy?

Mahbubullah: It is not enough simply to topple an undemocratic or fascist government. It is vital to ensure that fascism does not arise all over again. The rise of fascism is strongly linked to the economy. When lumpen bourgeoisie take control of the economy in a country instead of patriotic bourgeoisie, then democracy diminishes.

While all sorts of changes and reforms are being declared by various quarters, no one is talking about fundamental changes in the economy and politics. And that is why I am not too hopeful about the future of democracy. Even in such a situation I feel that people must be allowed to speak out. If people can speak out, then I will feel that we are moving towards democracy. If people cannot open up and speak their minds, that fascism may just return in a different name and a different form.

Prothom Alo : Thank you.

Mahbubullah: Thank you too​

 

[Saif]

Migrant workers played key role in July uprising

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday inaugurated a lounge dedicated for the country’s migrant workers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to make sure that they get the honour and facilities like guests for their significant contribution to the country’s progress.

www.thedailystar.net

Migrant workers played key role in July uprising
Yunus says at inauguration of HSIA lounge for them, gives pep talk to officials in Baku

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday inaugurated a lounge dedicated for the country's migrant workers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to make sure that they get the honour and facilities like guests for their significant contribution to the country's progress.

"Our migrant workers are nation builders. In the July-August mass uprising, they played a big role. We will always be grateful to them," said Prof Yunus.

The "Probashi Lounge" is the first of its kind at the airport. "We believe this lounge will make their [migrant workers'] travel easy," Prof Yunus said.

Photo: Collected from Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam's Facebook profile

It will offer the workers a place to rest and subsidised food for refreshments.

The chief adviser said many more steps will hopefully be taken so that the workers can think that they are at home, and everyone is taking care of them, serving them well.

He said the nation should give the migrant workers the respect they deserve. "Bangladeshi migrants contribute to the country's progress by sending remittances and they should get the proper respect."

Prof Yunus stressed the need for easing the government services for the expatriates and said e-passports should now be issued for them.

Asif Nazrul, the law and expatriates' welfare adviser, and senior officials of the International Organisation for Migration were also present at the event.

Prof Nazrul paid tributes to the migrant workers and millions of members of the country's diaspora who made sacrifices time and again for their homeland.

Photo: Collected from Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam's Facebook profile

Fathima Nusrath Ghazzali, acting chief of the IOM mission in Bangladesh, said the UN agency has sponsored the lounge to assist the migrant workers.

"This is an initiative of the chief adviser. We are happy to support this initiative," she said, adding that the IOM is also sponsoring nearly 100 volunteers to help the migrants at the airport.

LATEST

Prof Yunus yesterday asked the Bangladesh officials and NGO and civil society leaders to put in extra efforts to highlight the country's climate crisis concerns at the COP29 summit from November 11 to 22.

He made the call in Baku after his arrival in the Azerbaijan capital to lead Bangladesh in the annual UN-led climate summit.

"Our main efforts will be to include our concerns and demands in the final declaration of the COP29," he told the Bangladesh delegation during a coordination meeting at a hotel in Baku.

Prof Yunus will join the main COP29 summit today and speak in at least three major events.

At the meeting, Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed briefed officials about Bangladesh's stand on some key issues of the conference.

She said Bangladesh has set up nine teams to negotiate in all major areas, including climate finance, loss and mitigation, and just transition and adaptation mechanisms in the summit.

At least 29 NGOs and civil society groups from Bangladesh are joining the COP29, Farhina said.

She said despite assurances from the rich countries in the Global North, Bangladesh has so far received $344 million in grants and $250 million in loans as climate finance.

The UN's biggest climate conference, COP29, is seen as a "pivotal opportunity" to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey Amanul Haq, among others, was present at the airport to receive the chief adviser at 5:15pm (local time).

Prof Yunus, who is leading a small delegation, will return home on November 14, said a senior official at his office.

Global leaders and diplomats from across the world are joining the annual climate summit to discuss how to avoid increasing threats from climate change in a place that was one of the birthplaces of the oil industry.​

 

[Saif]

Incorporate stories of sacrifices, ideals of July uprising in textbooks

The Education Rights Parliament (Shiksha Odhikar Shangshad) yesterday demanded that the stories of the July mass uprising, and stories of the martyrs be incorporated in the new textbooks

www.thedailystar.net

Incorporate stories of sacrifices, ideals of July uprising in textbooks
Speakers demanded at a conference

Photo: Collected

The Education Rights Parliament (Shiksha Odhikar Shangshad) yesterday demanded that the stories of the July mass uprising, and stories of martyrs be incorporated in the new textbooks at a roundtable conference.

The conference was held at the National Academy for Educational Management and was chaired by Dr Niaz Asadullah, professorial fellow of North South University and convener of the Education Rights Parliament (ERP).

Md Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, member secretary of ERP and an assistant professor of the Institute of Education and Research, Jagannath University delivered a presentation on how primary and secondary level textbooks were politicised during the Awami League-led government in the last 15 years. He also recommended the inclusion of stories and narratives of the July uprising in the textbooks.

The roundtable was attended by prominent student leaders, academicians, school teachers and family members of the martyrs of the mass uprising.

Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the student-led uprising, said, "We have noticed an effort to include a segmented narrative of the July revolution in the new textbooks. This is not acceptable. The stories of the revolution must be presented in the textbook as an integral part of the history of Bangladesh."

Rakhal Raha, a member of the textbook reforms committee and education activist said, "The way the education system has been destroyed in the last 15 years is absolutely unprecedented. We are absolutely in line with the recommendations presented by the Education Rights Parliament. Now, we need to think how to include the content [uprising stories] and make them palatable for the learners".

Dr Syeda Razia Sultana, professor at the chemical engineering department, Buet and a member of the National Curriculum Coordination Committee, said, "Stories of the July uprising must be incorporated in the textbooks. First, we need to decide on our national vision for the curriculum and textbook. This would guide us in incorporating uprising content in our textbooks".

Family members of the martyrs of the uprising also shared their heart-touching accounts of struggle and resilience at the conference and demanded the inclusion of the sacrifices of the martyrs and victims and the ideal for which they fought.

Farzana Haque, sister of martyr Sajid said, "Stories of martyrs should be incorporated in the textbooks but we need to avoid exaggerations just what the previous regime did in the textbooks."

Sanzida, the mother of martyr Anas, said, "My son's letter should be included in the textbooks. This letter can educate learners about how our youth made the supreme sacrifice for our country."

Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzim Uddin Khan, a member of the University Grants Commission, said, "I congratulate the Education Rights Parliament for their important proposals. To move forward with the reform proposals, we must protect our solidarity and work together to implement the reforms."

Professor Dr Niaz Asadullah, convener of the Education Rights Parliament, said in his concluding remarks, "The reforms in textbooks and the education sector should be done democratically. All the stakeholders, especially the youth and the students must be involved in the reforms process."​