05/08/2024
What we are witnessing now is far from the values that fueled our initial movement.
Bangladeshi students, the future leaders of our nation fought rightfully so for our rights regarding the job quota system. Their courage and huge sacrifice was admirable and their success in bringing about the change is something we are proud of. Today, they showcased the power of unity by even compelling the prime minister to resign in response to their demands. However, what we are witnessing now is far from the values that fueled our initial movement. Instead of focusing on constructive ways to move forward to give value to the hard won victory, people have chosen the path of destruction. By completely shattering down our country’s assests, setting fires to homes and workplaces of the people, looting and vandalizing, blocking and destroying roads etc., what are they proving? This is not just an attack on property; its an attack on our collective future. Our father of nation, whose leadership and call to arms in 1971 inspired thousands of freedom fighters to sacrifice their lives, created the country we now call Bangladesh. Today, we are dishonoring our Father of the Nation by vandalizing his statues and disrespecting the very country he and our ancestors fought to establish. Important institutions, including the parliament, are being damaged. These actions do not reflect the sacrifices of hundreds of our students’ for the original cause ; they undermine it. They are claiming this victory but what kind of victory have we achieved if our country is in greater danger. Destruction only leads to more suffering. This is not the Bangladesh we fought for nor the one our ancestors dreamed of. I am ashamed of these horrible acts I am witnessing now. We MUST STOP and reflect. Let us honor the sacrifices made by those who fought back in 1971 to create our country and the sacrifices made by our students to create a better future for our country.
