Things continue to unfold quickly in Bangladesh. Yesterday, at least 93 people died in clashes between pro-democracy groups and those backing the current regime. The government blacked out many social media sites and communication vehicles such as WhatsApp, and inexplicably declared a three-day national holiday starting today (Monday, August 5). In the meantime, the protesters announced that they were moving up their “March to Dhaka” to today.
Even amidst such carnage, there were some hopeful signs. Professor Yunus’ interview with The Indian Express, a leading Indian newspaper, was published. It is worth a read, as it spells out for those unfamiliar with what is happening and what it all means, and also what India, Bangladesh’s largest and most influential neighbor, could do to address the crisis.
In another positive sign, the Bangladesh University Teachers’ Network proposed a process for managing the complex transition from the resignation of the current government to a democratically elected one by having a well-designed interim government. They are to be commended for trying to suggest a decent pathway.
Furthermore, retired army officers led by the former chief of the army staff expressed concern for the unnecessary loss of life, and about the fact that the country’s border is largely undefended since Border Guard Bangladesh has been called in as a paramilitary force to suppress the protesters. He added that they retired officers message to the government was: “Do not destroy the good standing of the armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign.” And the current Chief of Army General Staff has been quietly but noticably distancing himself from the policies of the government with cryptic statements like those in this article.
These developments merited another article in the New York Times co-authored by its Delhi bureau chief, Mujib Mashal.
And if the reaction to this tweet is any indication, the Bangladeshi diaspora is playing an increasingly active and impassioned role in demanding justice in the country. Expect them to continue to creatively engage in the battles for democracy and justice.
Yet, the Prime Minister continues to push for a violent response, calling for dealing with the protesters with an “iron hand,” as described in the headline of this Daily Star article. What comes next is anyone’s guess. But no matter how many lives are tragically lost in the process, the end of the current government seems likely if not assured at this point.