We need your help to reach out to international media and I will tell you the reason why we need this help. The picture I added was taken by my phone and there are many protests like this happening in our country.
The year 1971 saw Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan following a brave but brutal war. The freedom fighters who led this battle were acknowledged and given a quota system to support their families in return for their sacrifices. But over time, this quota system has developed into a corruptive hotspot that currently serves the interests of even the grandchildren of the original fighters and creating profound societal inequities.
The current situation that Bangladesh is facing roots from the same structure. If we get the opportunity to fix this problem, we have a higher chance of lowering our illiteracy rate. Students have demanded a simply 5% reduction in the quota for freedom warriors in the name of fairness and equity. Their straightforward demand is for a more meritocratic society, one in which opportunity is determined by skill and diligence rather than birthright advantage. However, the government has strongly protested to their request.
Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has labeled these students as "Rajakars" just for their claims. This word "Rajakar" was a term usually used to refer to traitors who fought for Bangladesh's independence—which has prompted widespread outrage. In 1971, the Rajakars, other Pakistani military, and other factions were notorious for treachery, murder, and exploitation of their own people. Comparing these people to today's youth, who seek justice and change, is not only a dangerous provocation, but also a clear sign of disagreement.
Students around the country have been protesting in the streets since July 15, 2024. Their march displays their bravery and patriotism, recalling the brave spirit that drove the country's independence movement from 1947 to 1971. These young people are starting a new war for real freedom—freedom from institutional injustice and corruption—and are not traitors rather they are true patriots. They want a future that focuses on the overall progress of the country in which they now live. Kids of ages 5 to have died too at the hands of police as they're shooting from helicopters. More than 10,000 students have been arrested for no reason. Not only students are in this fight against the oppressive government, we have support from many people including news reporters, teachers, lawyers and doctors.
On the other hand, the government's response has been extremely harsh. With the support of numerous political organisations, including the Chhatra League, the police have brutally put an end to the protests. A bleak image of state-sanctioned violence has been painted by reports of student deaths and injuries at the hands of these authorities, serving as a reminder of the horrific atrocities carried out by Pakistani forces back in 1952. The very organizations that are meant to safeguard the general population have turned into tools of oppression. The government took the internet of the entire nation. There's no wifi or mobile data since the last week. I just got the internet now and I'm trying to post it using vpn.
We hope to gain the attention of the international community to the dire situations in which these young people are living. Human rights are being abused in Bangladesh, and this is not simply a domestic issue. The international community owes it to Bangladeshi students to support them, raise their voices, and apply pressure on the Bangladeshi government to halt its harsh repression. We aspire for the same degree of global support that we received in 1971. The students' cross-border struggle for a good and equitable society is a worldwide issue.
On behalf of my nation, I ask the international press, human rights organizations, and world leaders to critically evaluate the government of Bangladesh's actions and to support the students' calls for justice. The liberators of 1971 left behind a nation founded on principles of fairness and equality. Our government became the new oppressor. The next generation is carrying on the legacy by insisting that these ideals apply to everyone, not just a select few who have advantages.
The student protests in Bangladesh marked a watershed moment in the country's history. Many of them gave their life for the cause. The violence on these people is horrific. The political parties are abusing the students. They do not allow students to enter their dorms. Many have reported that female students are being raped and getting attacked by these members of these political parties, mostly Chatro league. They underline both the urgent need for reform and the flaws of the current system. The courage of these young activists should perhaps inspire the rest of the world to act. We want the international community to join us in our fight against corruption and unfairness, as well as to help us restore Bangladesh's true spirit of freedom. I don't know when will this situation calm down but let's not lose any more lives. Let us not stay silent in the face of injustice; let us speak up in solidarity and support for a better future for all Bangladeshis.
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