"We can't be in a vacuum, indifferent to what's happening in Bangladesh."
Student protests turned deadly in Bangladesh during the week beginning July 15, 2024. The government’s ongoing media blackout and ordered curfew have raised international concerns.
Concerns further heightened when Bangladesh’s army imposed a “shoot-at-sight” curfew across the country. This was after days of tension and clashes between student-led protesters and the police.
The government then extended the nationwide curfew indefinitely.
Violence across Bangladesh has killed approximately 163 people and injured thousands.
Protests across the world continue to take place in solidarity with Bangladeshi students and against what many see as the undemocratic and violent actions of the government.
Moreover, on July 22 in London, protests took place in solidarity with those in Bangladesh.
London, 22nd July Trafalgar Square. Thousands out in solidarity with students across Bangladesh. The mass of students and workers must trust their own power! #SaveBangladesh #HasinaMustGo #SaveBangladeshiStudents pic.twitter.com/WpIPYgx6pj
— Fiona Lali (@fiona_lali) July 23, 2024
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) jailed 57 Bangladeshi nationals for protesting in solidarity with student protesters in Bangladesh.
Violence broke out in East London, Whitechapel, on July 18. Police reported that the unrest was linked to protests in Bangladesh.
British Bangladeshi Shamima told DESIblitz:
“I get why people are protesting here and other places. What’s happening in Bangladesh with students is dangerous.
“It could happen here; the world is connected. We can’t be in a vacuum, indifferent to what’s happening in Bangladesh.”
Sky News reported on July 22 that protestors in Bangladesh had given the government 48 hours to meet a new set of demands.
Bangladesh’s Supreme Court dramatically scaled back the controversial quota system for allocating government jobs.
Despite pleas for the curfew to be lifted, it remains in force.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stated that her government had to impose a curfew and deployed the army nationwide to protect people’s lives and properties.
Hasina maintained that the curfew would be ‘gradually relaxed’ as the situation improves.
However, the ongoing curfew has raised fear of what is being hidden.
The curfew also poses a risk to the economy and the livelihoods of many.
Experts estimate that Bangladesh has lost 1.2 billion dollars in revenue over the past five days.
The crisis has deeply hit the garment industry.
SM Mannan Kochi, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, told Al Jazeera:
“The biggest problem is that our international buyers are losing confidence — a loss whose value can’t be gauged with just money as it will have a long-term negative impact on the country’s most valuable industry.”
Human rights organisations and people across the world remain concerned about what is happening under the ongoing media blackout.
Reports indicate that more protests are taking place across the UK and worldwide. Protesters are showing solidarity with students and opposing the government’s forceful and violent response.
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