[🇧🇩] Student Revolution: Lessons from Bangladesh

[Saif]

Student protests must respect public welfare

Disruptions, violence by Titumir College students unacceptable

www.thedailystar.net

Student protests must respect public welfare
Disruptions, violence by Titumir College students unacceptable

VISUAL: STAR

The daylong blockade of roads and railways by the students of Government Titumir College on Monday, causing severe disruption for commuters, is simply unacceptable. Even more appalling was the reckless act of some students throwing stones at a train they forced to stop, injuring at least 15-20 passengers, including children and women. Disturbing images published by the media showed bloodied faces of passengers, highlighting the trauma caused by this senseless behaviour. How could these students, who are demanding the establishment of a university transforming their college, believe that causing panic and disruptions would further their cause? Did they consider the harm inflicted on innocent travellers? What justification could they possibly offer?

Needless to say, the protests on Monday created massive traffic congestion across the Mohakhali Flyover and Airport Road areas, as well as surrounding streets, leaving countless commuters stranded for hours. The rail blockade further disrupted railway connections between Dhaka and the rest of the country, exacerbating the public's distress. Such actions reflect a disregard for public welfare and cannot be condoned.

This is not the first instance of students disrupting daily life with similar demands. Previously, students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University—including Titumir College—protested for an autonomous university for their institutions. Their actions, too, brought significant parts of Dhaka to a standstill over several days. In response, the government formed a committee to address their concerns and held multiple discussions with student representatives. This shows that the authorities are actively working towards a resolution. While progress may be slow and additional dialogue might be necessary, it is unreasonable for one college to paralyse daily life by blocking roads and railways, especially when an official process is already underway.

How could these students, who are demanding the establishment of a university transforming their college, believe that causing panic and disruptions would further their cause? Did they consider the harm inflicted on innocent travellers? What justification could they possibly offer?

Upgrading a college into a university—or creating an autonomous one combining all seven colleges—is not a decision that can be made hastily. It requires a thorough assessment to ensure the institution meets necessary qualifications and possesses the infrastructure and resources to function as a university. The interim government has repeatedly urged those with grievances to approach them for resolution. Representatives from Titumir College eventually did so, engaging in discussions at the Secretariat. However, dissatisfied with the lack of immediate results, the students resumed their protests on Tuesday, only to be withdrawn later in the day. Such impatience and unreasonableness are disappointing.

We strongly urge the students of Titumir College—and all others engaging in similar protests—to stop causing suffering to ordinary citizens. They must exercise patience and seek solutions through dialogue. Students should also carefully evaluate the legitimacy and practicality of their demands. Continued unreasonable and disruptive protests risk alienating the public and may ultimately do more harm than good to their cause.​

 

[Saif]

PID to preserve historic symbols of Anti-Discrimination Movement

The Press Information Department (PID) has taken a special initiative to preserve the historic symbols and memories of the July 2024 uprising, which symbolised the nation’s anti-discrimination ethos, as those are being recognised as treasures of national heritage. The PID, under the Ministry

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

PID to preserve historic symbols of Anti-Discrimination Movement
UNB
Published :
Nov 19, 2024 21:10
Updated :
Nov 19, 2024 21:10

The Press Information Department (PID) has taken a special initiative to preserve the historic symbols and memories of the July 2024 uprising, which symbolised the nation’s anti-discrimination ethos, as those are being recognised as treasures of national heritage.

The PID, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has prioritised the collection and preservation of these significant moments as part of the interim government’s 100-day agenda, according to a media release.

The initiative includes gathering photographs, news reports and other crucial materials from across the country to build a robust repository.

Over 1,000 videos have already been archived digitally, reflecting the movement’s widespread impact and public participation.

As a part of this effort, the Department has published a photo album titled ‘Roktosnata July Biplob’ (The Blood-Soaked July Revolution), featuring a curated selection of images from various stages of the movement, accompanied by detailed captions.

Another publication, a 10-volume compilation of news reports under the same title, is currently underway, with two volumes already completed.

Besides, video footage and photographs are being gathered from diverse sources nationwide, including media archives and public submissions. Notably, a significant portion of the broadcast footage from television channels has already been secured within the Department’s archive.

Over the past 100 days, the PID has disseminated 66 press releases related to the government’s initiatives against discrimination, issued 114 photographs, and published 13 features and articles focusing on priority areas such as state reform, corruption prevention, and equity promotion.

Two training programmes, involving stakeholders, were also arranged to reinforce the anti-discrimination agenda.

To enhance efficiency and accessibility, the Department has digitised 14 services, including applications for permanent press accreditation cards, renewals and the registration of online news portals and IPTV channels.

In a bid to ensure the long-term preservation of these invaluable records, the collected content will also be transferred to the Bangladesh Film Archive.

This collaborative effort aims to secure the nation’s history for future generations, fostering awareness of their ancestors’ struggles and heroism.

The enriched repository not only safeguards the nation’s history but also serves as a vital resource for journalists, writers, researchers, and filmmakers, contributing to the accuracy and depth of their work.

Through these efforts, the interim government is reinforcing its commitment to preserving the legacy of the July 2024 uprising as a testament to the nation’s enduring fight against inequality.​

 

[Saif]

July uprising: Women activists feel sidelined and forgotten

Women leaders and activists, who actively participated in the July uprising, yesterday said despite their contributions at every level, they have been systematically sidelined in the post-movement period.

www.thedailystar.net

July uprising: Women activists feel sidelined and forgotten
Demand equal representation in state reforms at discussion

Women leaders and activists, who actively participated in the July uprising, yesterday said despite their contributions at every level, they have been systematically sidelined in the post-movement period.

They pointed out that equal representation of women was not ensured in the reform commissions or other state institutions.

They added that the longstanding culture of denying women their rightful roles and excluding them from various sectors continues unabated.

They made these remarks at a discussion titled "Dialogue on Women of the Mass Uprising: Where Did the Women Go?" held at the Jatiya Press Club, where injured participants and female activists shared their experiences.

The event was jointly organised by two volunteer organisations, Loraku 24 and Empowering Our Fighters.

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said it has become evident that there was a deliberate and successful attempt to sideline women in the aftermath of the uprising.

"When male leaders were arrested, women stepped up to lead and continued until August 5. But after that, I was completely sidelined. Attempts were made to portray men as the heroes of the movement, and I began experiencing an identity crisis," she said.

"Women leaders were harassed on social media, and those in power took no action. This further marginalised the women who participated in the movement," she added.

Nazifa Jannat, a student of East West University and coordinator during the movement, said, "It is deeply unfortunate that we are now compelled to assert that we, too, were part of the movement."

"People are asking, 'Where are the women now?' This question should be directed at the political parties that, despite their capacity, failed to include women," she said, calling on the media to raise such questions.

She emphasised the importance of increasing women's representation in positions of power.

"Women should not have to demand recognition for their roles; it is the state's responsibility to acknowledge them. We protested against discrimination in the past, and we did so to eradicate all forms of inequity," she said.

Dr Worthy Jukhrif, who provided medical aid alongside Dr Hritisha Aktar Mitheen to over 100 injured persons during the uprising, said, "We believe women should be equally represented in every sector of the state, including the Reform Commission, to eliminate all forms of discrimination."

Jannatul Ferdous Nitu, a second-year student at Barisal Government College, said, "No female students were included in the advisory council. Even though one woman was named spokesperson for the main committee, she has been noticeably absent in press releases and other activities," she said.

Samia Akhter Jannat, a tenth-grade student who was injured multiple times during the movement, said not only are women's contributions unacknowledged, but they are also being deliberately excluded.

Sabina Yasmin, a protester and female labourer from Ashulia, observed, "Many labelled the uprising as a student movement. In reality, labourers, including female workers, participated spontaneously. Many women were injured or killed, yet their sacrifices remain unrecognised."

Sumaiya Nishu, a student from Noakhali, pointed out, "While women in Dhaka have some visibility in state affairs, women from outside Dhaka are completely overlooked."

Sabrina Akhter, a student from Begum Rokeya University, said, "Despite our active participation, the media continues to focus primarily on men, perpetuating past inequalities against women."

Shamima Sultana Lavu, a senior journalist from Channel 24 who was injured during the movement, explained, "During the movement, press secretaries monitored media houses, and we were even temporarily taken off-air. Yet, we persisted. The footage we couldn't air domestically, we shared with international media."

She added that while a small number of media personnel were compromised, the entire journalist community often bears the brunt of public anger.

The event was inaugurated by Ainun Nahar, the mother of Naima Sultana, a student killed during the uprising.

Recalling her daughter's aspirations to become a doctor, Ainun said, "We moved to the city for her education, but her death shattered all our dreams. My daughter even argued with me when I discouraged her participation in the movement."

She urged the inclusion of the uprising and its martyrs in textbooks and demanded punishment for those responsible for the killings.

The event also featured speeches from women who played significant roles in rehabilitating injured and bereaved families from abroad.​

 

[Saif]

Attempts on to tarnish image of students: Nahid

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam yesterday said attempts are being made to tarnish the image of students, who led the protests that toppled the Awami League regime, to undermine the July uprising

www.thedailystar.net

Attempts on to tarnish image of students: Nahid

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam yesterday said attempts are being made to tarnish the image of students, who led the protests that toppled the Awami League regime, to undermine the July uprising.

"There is a deliberate attempt to make students controversial. We must all remain vigilant and act responsibly," Nahid said during the closing ceremony of the 11th GSC National Scientist Mania held at Government Science College in Dhaka yesterday.

"Conflicts among students are being used to portray them negatively in the public. If students can be presented in a negative light, it will also make it easier to tarnish the image of the July uprising. We must ensure that no one can exploit us," he said, urging all to remain vigilant.

"We have protested and taken to the streets in the past, but now it is time to build the nation. We must use our intellect and creativity to establish a society free from discriminations," he said.

Urging students to stay focused on their studies, Nahid said, "You don't need to address me 'sir'; think of me as your brother. Just as we stood shoulder to shoulder during the uprising, we will move forward together. Correct me if I make mistakes. If the nation needs us, we will return to the streets, but until then, focus on your education."

He also mentioned that the government is providing state honours to the martyrs and the injured of the July uprising, along with rehabilitation for the families of the martyrs and proper medical care for the injured.

He thanked the students of Government Science College for their role during the mass uprising.

"We hope to fulfil the expectations for which so many fought and shed blood. The July uprising taught us to stand with dignity, and with this confidence, we can rebuild Bangladesh in a new way," he said.

"The benefits of the July uprising must reach every individual in Bangladesh, and we need to work towards this goal," he added.

The event was attended by nuclear scientist Professor Dr Muhammad Shamsher Ali, Principal of Government Science College Professor KM Aminul Haque, and faculty members and students.​

 

[Saif]

Cases over July uprising: Petitions pile up to drop names

Disturbing trend points to systemic corruption and extortion

www.thedailystar.net

Cases over July uprising: Petitions pile up to drop names
July uprising cases in Bangladesh

Star photo

Faisal Hossain is one of the thousands of people injured during the July mass uprising. The 28-year-old was shot in the waist while pulling his rickshaw at Baipail in Dhaka's Ashulia around 11:00am on August 5, just a few hours before Sheikh Hasina fled to India.

Badly injured, Faisal was rushed to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar, where he was treated for about 45 days. He is still unable to work.

On October 15, his wife, Tania Khatun, filed a case for attempted murder with Dhaka's chief judicial magistrate's court, which directed the Ashulia police to register the complaint as a First Information Report (FIR).

The FIR named 203 suspects, including Hasina, several top Awami League leaders and senior police officials.

Just four days later on October 19, Tania changed her minds about some suspects, and filed a petition with a Dhaka court to drop 13 people previously named in the case. Their political identity is not clear from the petition.

"The accused were not present at the scene," says the petition, seen by The Daily Star, adding that she initially named them "wrongfully and being aggrieved" by her husband's injuries. "These individuals would be most grievously harmed if they are not excluded from the case."

But Tania did not know then – and does not know now – any of these 13 people personally, or any of the suspects named in the case.

"I don't know the updates of the case. My brother knows about it," she said, indicating the complaint was drafted by her brother.

She hung up the phone when asked about the case details, and did not receive our calls since. The Daily Star could not contact her brother as she did not give his name.

Tania's case is not isolated. This newspaper has so far found plaintiffs in 55 cases have submitted petitions to exclude at least 195 people they had initially named as suspects in cases for murder or attempted murder since the first week of August.

Of them, six are law enforcement officers, including Additional IGP Selim Md Jahangir and Bangladesh Border Guard Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui; two teachers of a public university; two officials of the environment department and former cabinet secretary Mahbub Hossain.

This newspaper could not establish any clear political connection of 75 people. The remaining are Awami League leaders and activists.

TWO BIZARRE CASES

Court records show at least 550 cases, mostly for murder, were filed with various courts and police stations in Dhaka till November 25 since August 5.

At least seven plaintiffs, including Tania, told The Daily Star that they were not involved in the drafting of the FIRs. They only signed the complaints drafted by others.

Tania at least knows who drafted the case – her brother – but in the rest six cases, the plaintiffs do not even know the people who came to their houses to take them to the police stations to sign the complaints. Four of these plaintiffs said these people identified themselves as local political party activists.

The case of Aklima Begum is among the most peculiar. She does not know any of the 167 suspects named in the case filed over her husband's death. She also does not know any of those who came to her house to have the complaint signed or any of those who came to her house again to have the petition signed to have some of the suspects excluded from the case.

This case was filed with Mohammadpur Police Station over the death of her husband, Akhter Hossain, who was shot in Basila area on July 19, according to the FIR.

Rahima Akter, another plaintiff now seeking to drop some names, said she got some financial help from some local people after the death of her husband, Abdul Kadir Manik. She was then taken to Bhatara Police Station by some locals to sign the complaint. Over the last few weeks, she received so many phone calls from people protesting their innocence that she now wants to withdraw the case altogether.

"Tell me, how do I discontinue the case?" she told The Daily Star by phone.

'RELIEVE THE INNOCENT'

Legal experts and rights activists expressed concerns over the inclusion of random names, and said innocent people would be harassed if they are falsely implicated. There are also allegations that in many cases people are being implicated out of political rivalries or to settle old scores.

Noted rights activist Nur Khan Liton thinks many such cases are being filed to harass people.

"Cases are being filed against such people that it questions their veracity…. and now, many names are being excluded due to pressure and corruption," he said.

Noted Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna is one such victim. He was named in an attempted murder case filed on October 17, sparking harsh criticisms. The plaintiff subsequently applied to drop his name from the case.

A university teacher, whose name was included in a murder case, recently told this newspaper, "I was not involved in any crime, but I was accused in one case. The complainant appealed to drop my name when he realised I am innocent. The authorities should take quick steps to relieve the innocent from such harassment."

Senior criminal lawyer Ehsanul Haque Shomaji said that during investigation process in the case registered at the police station, there is no legal scope to withdraw any suspect's name, and so complainants should be more careful about naming people in FIRs.

According to him, when plaintiffs file for dropping names mentioned in the complaints, it generally weakens the case.

EXPLOITATION?

Shariatpur's Rubel Talukder has recently filed a petition to exclude 18 suspects from the case he filed over the death of his brother Riazul Talukder.

A BNP activist, Riazul was shot in the Jatrabari area around 5:00pm on August 4 during the anti-government protest. He died at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital while under treatment several hours later, according to the case statement, lodged with Jatrabari Police Station on September 12.

Rubel named 135 suspects, including Hasina and AL leaders from Shariatpur, in the case.

"I appealed to drop the 18 names as they were wrongfully named in the case. I don't know how their names were included," he told The Daily Star.

Local sources confirmed that most of these 18 people are AL leaders and activists. Some of them held – or currently hold – posts in different local government bodies.

An AL leader from the district's Jajira, who is also a suspect in the case, said Rubel took money promising to drop some names from the case.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said he too was part of a discussion with some of these 18 people to have his name excluded. But they (the 18 people) struck the final deal with Rubel without informing him and several others.

Rubel denied the allegation. The Daily Star spoke with two of these 18, and both denied that they gave any money in return for dropping their names.

Besides Rubel and Tania, 18 complainants are now seeking to drop 77 names included in as many cases in Jatrabari and Uttara East police stations alone between August and October.

Sara Hossain, a human rights lawyer, said the recent allegation against senior lawyer ZI Khan Panna was a glaring example of how individuals can exploit the criminal justice system to harass others by falsely including their names in a criminal case. Fortunately, the complainant dropped his name after a public outrage.

"We now see a trend of plaintiffs seeking to drop names from the FIRs. If genuine mistakes led to their inclusion in the first place, this can be seen in a positive light as it will stop harassment. But if some names get dropped due to any kind of enticement, influence or threat, then there is a real risk of justice being denied to the victims of the July mass killings," she added.​

 

[Saif]

Govt not taking student coordinators' safety issues lightly: Rizwana

The Council of Advisers in its meeting yesterday discussed the safety issues of the student coordinators amid the situation they faced in recent times

www.thedailystar.net

Govt not taking student coordinators' safety issues lightly: Rizwana
Issue flagged in meeting of Council of Advisers, says environment adviser

The Council of Advisers in its meeting yesterday discussed the safety issues of the student coordinators amid the situation they faced in recent times.

"There is no scope to take it lightly at all. The government is not viewing this issue lightly," said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan while responding to a question regarding the life risks raised by the student coordinators.

She said their safety issues were flagged at the meeting. "It was discussed that there is a necessity to ensure their safety. But no decision has been taken in this regard."

Rizwana said the coordinators have been continuing their efforts to keep the nation united on various important issues which might hurt others' interests.

The law enforcement agencies are investigating the concerns raised by the student coordinators.

Interim government's Adviser Mahfuj Alam and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam were present at the briefing.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus chaired the meeting of the Council of Advisers.​

 

[Saif]

Post Aug 5 violence politically motivated, not sectarian, Bangladesh to UN

Bangladesh told the UN that the post August 5 violence in Bangladesh was rooted in political and personal factors, not sectarian

www.thedailystar.net

Post Aug 5 violence politically motivated, not sectarian, Bangladesh to UN

Bangladesh told the UN that the post August 5 violence in Bangladesh was rooted in political and personal factors, not sectarian.

"The violence affected people mostly with partisan political affiliations, almost all of them being Muslims and only a few from other religious minority groups," said Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam at the 17th Session of UN Forum on Minority Issues on November 28.

He said there was no systematic attack on minorities. Rather, following the mass uprising in July, the world has witnessed how the entire society of Bangladesh came forward to protect its minorities following our long tradition of communal harmony.

Ariful said Bangladesh reaffirms that every Bangladeshi, regardless of religious identity, has the right to practice respective religion or express views freely.

"Ensuring safety and security of every citizen, including from the minority community, remains the cornerstone of the interim Government of Bangladesh."

This has been repeatedly reassured to minority religious leaders by Bangladesh's top leadership and proved time and again in the first 100 days of the government.

Two advisers have been appointed from the minority communities. The interim government led by Prof Yunus enjoys overwhelming and unprecedented mandate from the people across all faiths.

"Unfortunately, when the people of Bangladesh were setting glorious examples of religious harmony, we observe a flurry of exaggerated, unfounded and fake reports and deliberate spread of misinformation and disinformation by vested quarters regarding minority persecution."

"Sadly, we saw it at this forum too. Many such propaganda have been debunked by global media. Our government remains open to welcome foreign journalists to visit Bangladesh to see the ground situations."

With utter dismay, Ariful Islam said, "We note that the arrest of Mr Chinmoy Das has been misconstrued by some speakers, he was actually arrested on specific charges."

The matter is being dealt with by the court of law. Despite the recent brutal killing of a Muslim lawyer, Bangladesh government's immediate intervention and support from leaders of all faiths helped maintain calm and avert untoward incident, the Bangladesh envoy said."Our government remains vigilant and will continue to act promptly to maintain religious harmony at any cost and thwart any attempt to undermine rights of minorities."​

 

[Saif]

Amid rising unrest, we must give unity a chance

Frequent disruptive events preventing Bangladesh from achieving desired progress

www.thedailystar.net

Amid rising unrest, we must give unity a chance
Frequent disruptive events preventing Bangladesh from achieving desired progress

VISUAL: STAR

We welcome the call for national unity amid rising tensions over seemingly unconnected reasons in different parts of the country. Both Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and top BNP leaders have underscored the importance of peace and unity as the nation grapples with post-uprising challenges. At a recent meeting, Prof Yunus has emphasised the need to de-escalate tensions across societal divides, while BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for dialogue with political parties to bridge divisions and build unity. Jamaat-e-Islami also supported the call for national unity.

However, unity is easier sought than achieved, as it requires decisive action, collective resolve and vigilance, a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of present unrest, and a certain bit of willingness to make concessions from all stakeholders.

While remnants of the ousted regime may be partly to blame for the recent turbulence, the alarming frequency of disruptions suggests deeper fissures within our society. In recent weeks, we have seen attacks and hostile mobilisations targeting media houses as well as violent clashes among college students. On Tuesday, unrest surrounding the arrest of a former ISKCON leader resulted in the brutal killing of a lawyer. Frequent public demonstrations by various groups, often leading to public disorder, have also become routine. Though these incidents may appear isolated, they form part of a broader pattern of instability following August 5.

The newfound freedom of expression under the interim government—while commendable—has also become a double-edged sword thanks to minimal oversight, creating a fertile ground for propaganda, hate speech, and rumours. Some are openly advocating destructive action, while others are sowing division under the guise of activism. These digital battlegrounds are making conflicts more likely and resolutions more elusive.

While the uprising reignited hopes for democracy, it also exposed the fragility of our sociopolitical fabric, with dissent and disillusionments festering in various quarters. The question is, if the accomplices of the fallen regime are indeed weaponising these divisions, why haven't they been conclusively identified yet? Or are there other forces also at play?

Adding fuel to this fire is the unchecked spread of incendiary narratives on social media. The newfound freedom of expression under the interim government—while commendable—has also become a double-edged sword thanks to minimal oversight, creating a fertile ground for propaganda, hate speech, and rumours. Some are openly advocating destructive action, while others are sowing division under the guise of activism. These digital battlegrounds are making conflicts more likely and resolutions more elusive. Compounding this issue is a perception among many that they can disrupt public life or destroy public properties without consequence, taking advantage of the fluid security situation.

So, how can we navigate these complex challenges to achieve peace and unity? Dialogue, as BNP has recommended, is indeed essential, not just between the government and political parties but also among various sociopolitical groups with competing interests. But for the sake of national interest, all must be sincere so that their interests are aligned with the common goal of peace. That said, dialogue alone is not enough.

The authorities must prioritise enhancing law enforcement, ensuring that laws are enforced strictly and impartially to deter and punish those inciting violence. Misuse of freedom of expression, especially online, must also be addressed carefully but firmly to curb the spread of hate and misinformation. At the same time, the call for a Truth and Peace Commission deserves serious consideration. Such a commission could play a pivotal role in rebuilding trust, fostering reconciliation, and promoting restorative justice.

The challenges we face today require us all to act responsibly and judiciously. A failure to do so risks undermining the gains of the uprising achieved through so much sacrifice and struggle.​