The recent political turmoil in Bangladesh has been both significant and concerning. I’m sharing some of my own opinions and some gathered from others, along with source links. Due to various reasons, Facebook might block some links in the future.
What Sparked the Demonstrations?
The protests in Bangladesh stem from long-standing resentment over a quota system that reserved 56% of government positions for various groups, including descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence. This system created barriers for the country’s large youth population seeking coveted civil service jobs. In 2018, under pressure from student mobilization, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina abolished the quota system. However, in June 2024, the high court ruled that move illegal, reigniting protests. Additionally, new pension reforms led to walkouts by faculty and students in public universities. Initially peaceful, tensions escalated after an inflammatory speech by Prime Minister Hasina, resulting in violent crackdowns by authorities1.
Sheikh Hasina’s Departure and Power Vacuum On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, leaving Bangladesh facing a power vacuum. The army temporarily stepped in, but uncertainty remains. During the protests, approximately 266 people, mostly students, lost their lives, and the government imposed curfews, closed schools and universities, and restricted internet and telecommunications. The situation highlights the delicate balance between addressing grievances and maintaining stability in a nation grappling with political change1.
Additionally, there have been targeted attacks on Hindus amid the turmoil, and concerns have been raised about infiltration and potential terrorist activities in the region23. The situation remains fluid, and the international community closely watches developments in Bangladesh.
Positivity and Belief in New Beginnings
I am an extremely positive person. I always believe in new beginnings. We must clean out the old and write new chapters. This process involves mistakes, obstacles, and setbacks. At the end of the day, two outcomes are possible: either the light of a new dawn or the experience of creating a new dawn to bring the light of a promising future.
Professor Muhammad Yunus: Interim Government Advisor
Professor Muhammad Yunus is currently an advisor to the interim government. The full cabinet has not yet been finalized. It is expected that the new government will take the oath tomorrow night.
My Perception of Professor Muhammad Yunus
I first heard about Dr. Yunus when I was in school in 2006. Although the internet wasn’t widespread back then, I learned as much as I could from newspapers. The whole concept of the “Nobel Peace Prize” was new to me at the time because my knowledge of national or international matters was very limited. Over time, I learned a bit more about him. I liked his innovative ideas, such as the “Three Zeros” principle. After Amartya Sen and Abhijit Banerjee won the Nobel Prize in Economics, I became somewhat interested in microfinance and microinsurance and read some of their papers. Naturally, due to work pressures, I drifted away from these topics.
In 2024, I was surprised to see Professor Muhammad Yunus in his current position. What kind of leader could he be? Here are some points to consider:
He is a visionary person who loves to dream.
He is a diplomat (in words and actions).
He is stubborn and wants to establish his ideas. He argues that if his ideas and experiences are for the greater good, then what’s the harm in accepting them?
To him, our country is a wonderful pasture where he will come up with new theories for the benefit of the people.
I do not personally know Professor Muhammad Yunus. I hope he can bring significant change during this critical time for our country. With his determination and stubborn nature, he will not bow down before anyone and will take our country far. I hope he will live up to the new generation’s trust in him.
To get some insight into him, you can watch this documentary: DW Khaled Muhiuddin Wants to Know — Face to Face with Professor Muhammad Yunus Link to Documentary
For more details, you can check here: Muhammad Yunus on Wikiwand
Attacks on Hindus/Minorities
Maulana Bhasani once said, “Listen, do not mix religion and country. Later, what will you name the flowers, Fatema-chura?” I have never been affiliated with any national party, nor has anyone in my family. Still, I sometimes feel scared now. Every Hindu group on Facebook is filled with cries of fear. Everyone seems to be living in fear of some dreadful grip. For what reason? I have found many recent authentic videos from apolitical people who have no significant identity or wealth. Why are they being targeted? If someone like me from the lower middle class falls victim tomorrow, who will be responsible? Will it still be dismissed as “propaganda”?
Most of these news stories are coming from Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Noakhali, and various parts of Chittagong.
Various attack photos and videos: Google Drive Link
Many Hindus are leaving the country: Facebook Video
The most worried thing is, hardly any news is being covered under the daily Bangladesh Newspaper or Local News media on this incidents. Search for this hashtags in google and get the latest updates on this - #savebangladeshhindu #SaveHinduTemples #BangladeshHindu #SaveHindu For me, the good news is that in my area of Rajshahi, no anti-Hindu behavior has been seen yet. No temples have been attacked. The elders in my area have always assured my father’s safety. The news from our area seems to be politically motivated revenge.
Some shrines have also been attacked: Facebook Post
Destruction, Looting, and Robbery
“Educated society liberated the country. The uneducated society is celebrating victory with filth.”
It is harder to protect freedom than to achieve it — I realized this bitter truth. Before we could even start tasting this freedom, a horrific night of looting and attacks began. Seeing all this, I realized how backward we are as a nation in terms of mentality, thought, and action. Did the British govern us in such a way that we now only respond to the stick?
Seeing the looting in Rajshahi, my heart ached; I felt ashamed to be from Rajshahi. In Dhaka, robberies are happening in broad daylight. People are so hungry that they loot without understanding what is necessary and what is not. And these same people expect an honest leader! What a strange contradiction.
Someone wrote: “Just as we proudly steal the goats, fish, and air conditioners from Ganobhaban when given the chance, our leaders also steal taxpayers’ money and national resources. As we are, so are our leaders. Leaders will come and go, but I don’t think our fate will change. It’s a flaw in the Bengali character, a flaw in our blood.”
Numerous structures and artworks, including Shamim Sikder’s sculpture ‘Shwoparjito Shadhinota,’ have been destroyed. Facebook Post
Mustafa Sarwar Farooki wrote to the new chief advisor regarding the occupation of house number 32 of Bangabandhu: “I believe that after taking charge, the interim government’s first task should be to start the rehabilitation of house number 32. Restore the house to its original state and turn it into a museum again with all the photos and memorabilia available. Professor Yunus, as the interim government head, should visit the house. It will create significance, sending a message. Various Bir Sreshtho statues across the country have been vandalized. These should be restored to their original condition. Bangladesh will have temples, mosques, pagodas, churches, burqas, and jeans. Everything will coexist in this diverse society.”
Fake News Everywhere
It’s being reported that the economy has improved so much that the prices of goods in the market have dropped! Even a fool knows that if there is no supply, prices will rise. However, since the party government’s syndicate will no longer be there, the prices of daily necessities should drop once the situation normalizes.
Various fake political videos are circulating, glorifying the students’ victory. We must ensure that these exaggerations do not make people disbelieve the truth.
If exaggerated statements are spread about the upcoming government, it will face problems working with various countries. We need to keep these points in mind.
Recently, a viral statement attributed to Professor Muhammad Yunus about India was: (5.03) Interviewer: Who is controlling the protesters? Is there an element of terrorists involved? Are other groups looking to create instability in your country? Could this have a regional spillover from an Indian standpoint? (5.15) Dr. Yunus: Very much, that’s what I’ve been saying in every interview. If you destabilize Bangladesh, it will spill over all around Bangladesh, including Myanmar, the Seven Sisters, and West Bengal. That’s why I was pleased when Mamata Banerjee said that we will open our doors because she has to accept those who are coming out of Bangladesh. Source: NDTV Link to Interview
Good News Amidst the Chaos
CUET has issued a final statement banning student politics. Source: CUET Facebook Page
I saw many young groups voluntarily coming forward to restore the broken art/structures. They say, “If your celebration means breaking things, our celebration will be restoring them.”
I was pleased to see young people organizing to return the stolen items from Ganobhaban. Many are even returning them. The same is happening at Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park and other institutions.
I was happy to see young people coming forward to protect various religious and government institutions. Hand in hand, they are forming human chains.
Young people are taking the helm of the country, confronting the dark forces.
A slightly different piece of good news that I liked: Facebook Photo
Immediate Caution Needed
If the looted weapons from police stations and jails are not recovered, there will be more significant robbery incidents in the future.
Many prisoners (including those sentenced to death) have escaped from various jails. Immediate action is needed to address this, or else more severe anarchy will ensue.
Some people are trying to take advantage of the country’s fragile situation.
Many are trying to take advantage of the country’s fragile situation. We must be very cautious. Regarding the chaotic environment around us, a quote by Imtiaz Mahmud comes to mind: “Those whose nature is to be slaves will only change masters, not their nature.”
However, I dream of a new day. I see many new things on the horizon. Changes will come in people’s attitudes, behaviors, and character. Only then can we all come together to build a beautiful country.
I dream of a Bangladesh free from discrimination. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with determination and a commitment to positive change, we can build a better future for all. Let us embrace the new dawn with optimism and work together to create a society free from discrimination and violence. The dream of an equitable Bangladesh is within our reach if we remain steadfast in our pursuit of progress and justice.
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