Student Protests in Bangladesh: Behind the Scenes and Human Cost
Recently, the phrase "Bangladeshi student protest" has gained significant attention in the international media, often shrouded in ambiguity. While there have been numerous protests in Bangladesh over various issues, such as educational reforms, political rights, and social justice, the specific events being referred to are crucial. This article delves into a particularly alarming situation that unfolded in Bangladesh, highlighting the violent response and its human cost.
The Tragic Reality of Student Protests
Student protests in Bangladesh are often met with harsh responses from authorities. A notable instance occurred on July 19, 2023, at Dhaka Medical College, where the situation escalated into a tragic event. Around 1200 protestors, who had been shot, were brought to the hospital. The morgue was overwhelmed with bodies, and the emergency ward was so packed that there was hardly any room to move.
The Orchestration Behind the Protests
The motives behind the violent crackdown on student protests in Bangladesh go beyond simple political disagreements. Extremist Islamic organizations, including Lashkar-e-Omar (LeO), Jamaat-ul-Fuqra, Nadeem Commando, Popular Front for Armed Resistance, Muslim United Army, and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen Al-Alami, were involved in the orchestration of these protests.
These organizations aimed to radicalize students and instill the belief among them that the targeted killings of non-Muslims and the terrorization of Sunni Muslims into conversion to Shia Islam were their primary goals. The Hasina government, which was already weakened by corruption and inefficiency, failed to detect these terrorist activities, partly due to bribes and other illegal activities.
The Human Toll
Reports from the Gaza Strip highlight the dire situation faced by Palestinians, many of whom are denied hospital admission despite severe injuries from gunfire. A similar crisis unfolded at Dhaka Medical College on July 19. Colleague Akhlakus Safa shared a harrowing account of the incident:
No human being should be shot like this in a free country.
This statement resonates with the painful reality faced by Bangladeshis. In a country where the police violate human rights every minute, where no help is available without a bribe, where they plant drugs in young boys’ pockets to ruin their lives, where they stop cars on the road to take bribes, slap young students, and where bodyguards are abducted, it is not surprising to witness such atrocities.
Systemic Issues and Calls for Change
The Bangladesh Police Force, under the command of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, is deeply entrenched in these violations. If Bangladesh were not such a foolish nation, such actions would not be surprising. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission initiated in 2019 has not brought any significant changes, and the human rights situation continues to deteriorate.
Amid these harsh realities, it is crucial to raise awareness and advocate for change. The international community needs to exert pressure on the Bangladeshi government to address these issues and ensure that student protests are handled with the dignity and respect they deserve.