A nationwide shutdown has paralysed Bangladesh as student protesters demand reforms to the quota system. The government has deployed 229 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) platoons to quell escalating violence that has erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement.
The situation has taken a grim turn following violent clashes between student protesters, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activists and law enforcement agencies.
The clashes resulted in thousands injured, including female students and BCL members, and many deaths have been reported nationwide.
As chaos unleashes all over Bangladesh amid the "complete shutdown" announced by quota reform protesters yesterday, many popular celebrities are finally voicing their concerns through social media and requesting the safety of students.
Popular actors, filmmakers and celebrities including actress Mehazabien Chowdhury, Pori Moni, Tama Mirza, Shobnom Bubly, Puja Cherry, Jessia Islam, Rukaiya Chamak, actor Shakib Khan, Afran Nisho, Chanchal Chowdhury, Apurba, Siam, Nasir Uddin Khan, Salman Muqtadir, Niloy, Khairul Basar, Irfan Sazzad, Iftekhar Rafsan, filmmakers including Farooki, Raihan Rafi, Asfaque Nipun, Khijir Hayat, Fakhrul Arefeen Khan, Redoan Rony, Shihab Shaheen and many others expressed their anger, solidarity and hopefulness regarding the quota reform protest.
Besides, many music stars including music director Prince Mahmud, poet Latiful Islam Shibly, singer Tasrif Khan, Ahmed Hasan Sunny, Zunayed Evan, Sina Hasan, Mac Haque and Ziaur Rahman. Also, many prominent bands joined the voices advocating for the students and condemning the violence.
Dhallywood star Shakib Khan expressed his deep concern over the protests and the well-being of the students involved. He said, “My beloved country must not be tainted with the blood of its students. Too many families have already suffered the irreparable loss of their loved ones. To the guardians of these young protesters, I appeal for dialogue and collaboration towards a swift and peaceful resolution. We seek harmony and an end to all hostilities.”
Popular actress Mehazabein Chowdhury wrote a lengthy post on social media about this issue. She wrote, “From a young age, I have learned that family, society, and the state do not support violence against women. Our holy scriptures have never taught violence against women either. The Holy Quran says, 'Treat women with kindness.'
Unfortunately, today we see a different picture in the media and social media - horrifying videos. Not one, not two, but countless sisters of mine are being attacked and bloodied with impunity. How ruthless, how barbaric!
What did the students do? They demanded reforms in the quota system. So what? In a democratic country, anyone can raise their voice for their rights. But does that mean that violence against women, the murder of promising young men like 'Abu Saed', is civilised? Was there no other way to solve the problem? Why did they have to shoot?
The situation may return to normal today or tomorrow. But how can we fill the void left by the mother whose heart is empty, the family whose smile has gone? Never.
We always cherish the great Liberation War and our valiant freedom fighters in our hearts. We are proud that the freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to give us an independent country. But did our freedom fighters dream of a Bangladesh where one cannot express one's mind, where one cannot demand one's rights, where merit is not valued above all else, where one is attacked and loses one's life prematurely for going against the wishes of the administration? I don't think so.
Students are the future of tomorrow. I, Mehzabin Chowdhury, make a fervent appeal to the Honourable Prime Minister and the Supreme Court to support their legitimate demands instead of suppressing them. I believe we will not be disappointed.”
Popular actor Apurba wrote, “Conflict and bloodshed never bring solutions. Can’t we listen to the students, talk to them, and find a solution through reason and debate? Do we not have anyone to speak for us? Do we not have ears to listen?
The common students being attacked are someone’s children, siblings, friends or classmates. I humbly request that all representatives sit down for discussions and quickly resolve all misunderstandings. We do not want to see more blood; we do not want any more lives lost. We do not want any more parents to lose their children. We do not want conflict. Give us a solution. Violence is never the answer.”
Chanchal Chowdhury had been in America for nearly 20 days and only returned to Dhaka. He wrote, “Was there no alternative way to resolve this? Why did they resort to shooting students? Couldn't a peaceful solution have been found without bloodshed?
As an ordinary person and a guardian, I don't understand such complex political strategies. I have only one question: Who will take responsibility for the young lives lost prematurely? Will the anguish of mothers who lost their children ever cease in any lifetime?”
Noted filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki posted about the matter on his Facebook page. He wrote, “Who is the state for? Whose interests does it serve? At what cost does it demand payment from this state? Is it merely for quota cultivation? Or is the state itself in need of cultivation? As if no mother is left unwritten by it? As if we must not repeatedly walk down this path for our future generations. So that the government, judiciary, police all remain within the bounds of accountability! And who are you shooting at, brother? For whose sake?”
Actor Afran Nisho wrote a heartfelt poem about the situations, insistently saying, “No more red, in the red and green flag...”
A harrowing image of a female Dhaka University student, bloodied and terrified after a brutal attack during the quota reform protests, has sparked outrage on social media. Sharing the image, Pori Moni wrote, "If you remain silent about violence against women, you are a hypocrite."
Abu Sayed, a student at Begum Rokeya University and a prominent figure in the ongoing quota reform movement, was tragically killed on Tuesday during clashes with police. The young activist had earlier posted on Facebook, "Live with backbone, as long as you live."
Director Ashfaque Nipun echoed Sayed's sentiment, sharing the same quote on social media.
Model and actress Jessia Islam expressed solidarity with the protesting students, demanding a fair and merit-based selection process for government jobs.
Singer-musician Sina Hasan took a strong stance against the government by announcing a boycott of the "Joy Bangla" concert. He emphasised his opposition to the quota system and expressed his willingness to leave his band, Bangla Five, if other members disagreed with his decision.
As the situation continues to unfold, the nation watches with bated breath as students demand a fundamental change to the quota system, while the government struggles to contain the growing unrest.
