The spirit of the students' movement is rooted in opposing all forms of discrimination in the country, which is why they named their movement “Students Against Discrimination Movement.”
The Cambridge Dictionary defines discrimination as the treatment of a person or particular group of people differently, in a way that is worse (in an unfair way) than the way people are usually treated.
The people of the country have been facing discrimination, oppression, and many other hassles and tussles by the immediate past Awami League-led government and their unruly supporters. People from all walks of life supported the students’ movement as they dreamed of change and at least wanted to escape the immediate past government’s rule.
For at least 15 years, the country has experienced numerous incidents of disappearances, and a lack of freedom of speech and media. There has been a lack of accountability as many unscrupulous government officials, including law enforcement agencies and those close to power, engaged in abuses of power, embezzled vast amounts of money, and sent it abroad.
Even ministers and members of parliament were more focused on their personal interests rather than serving the people. Government institutions, including banks and other financial entities, were in a very fragile state.
Now the people have some reformations in mind, which are important to establish the rule of law and to create an accountable state. They are sharing their views on social media platforms and other mainstream media. Many are discussing their opinions at tea stalls and other gathering places.
On Tuesday, Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj expressed his views on Facebook regarding the need for reforms in various sectors of the country. “I plead that the student leaders focus on institutional reforms rather than getting bogged down by politicians and their day-to-day political interests. This is a perfect window to demand institutional arrangements essential for a democratic process, including several critical components designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
He also suggested some ideas such as demanding the separation of executive power from legislative power, calling for an independent judiciary, ensuring free and fair elections with accountability, establishing the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, implementing checks and balances in power, promoting accountable and transparent governance, supporting civil society and media freedom, and decentralising and strengthening local governance.
Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, suggests that the upcoming government should work on reforming the education system and healthcare.
“We want a discrimination-free Bangladesh where people will receive proper education, healthcare, and other facilities without hassle. They should be able to speak and move freely,” he remarked.
Babul Sarker, a college teacher from Rangpur, told The Business Post that Bangladesh has been operating with a fragile structure and no one has tried to strengthen the constitutional institutions. “The new government, which is expected to form soon, should work to create an environment for a prosperous Bangladesh,” he said.
“Bangladesh is lagging behind in many sectors including education, healthcare, and the rule of law compared to the world. The country is on the brink of ruin. The new government must also reform the economic structure,” he added.
Obaidul Hasan, a businessman, told this correspondent that law enforcement agencies like the police have lost the people’s faith by engaging in many unscrupulous activities. “The government should also reform the law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
The student rallies began on July 1 and escalated from July 19, initially demanding the reformation of the quota system for freedom fighters in civil service jobs, which later evolved into a mass anti-government movement. During this protest, students received support from across the country, including thousands of low-income individuals who joined the movement.
Finally, Sheikh Hasina fled the country after resigning in the face of widespread protests on August 5. This marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that a head of government has fled the country.
Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to lead the interim government of Bangladesh and is likely to take the oath today. In a statement issued on Wednesday, he congratulated “the brave students” who took the lead in making the Second Victory Day possible and the people for giving total support to the students.
“This is our beautiful country with lots of exciting possibilities. We must protect and make it a wonderful country for us and for our future generations,” said the Nobel laureate.
The interim government is expected to be formed comprising 15 members today.
