The police beating of independent Ebtedayee madrasa teachers at Shahbagh highlights a disturbing and recurring pattern of state repression in Bangladesh. This incident is emblematic of the government's longstanding reliance on violent force to suppress protests, reflecting the deeply entrenched nature of a "police state."

Rather than engaging in dialogue or addressing public concerns, the government often resorts to heavy-handed tactics to quell dissent, as seen in the treatment of these teachers.

A particularly chilling example of such repression is the July-August student movement of 2024 which began as a protest for quota reforms but quickly escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Fuelled by frustrations over job sector discrimination and fears about their future employment, students from across the country rallied for change.

Instead of engaging with their demands, the government unleashed police brutality, leading to 841 deaths and 12,312 injuries, according to government reports. Students were subjected to merciless beatings, gunfire, indiscriminate tear gas, and water cannons. The response to this largely peaceful protest was violent and disproportionate, highlighting the government's preference for control through violence rather than addressing the root causes of unrest.

No occurrence of police brutality in Bangladesh can be termed an isolated incident. The 2018 student protests for safer roads, sparked by the tragic deaths of two students in a traffic accident, saw similar police aggression. Rather than listening to the students' demands for safety, the government responded with excessive force, sending a chilling message to any group that dared challenge the status quo. In both 2018 and 2024, peaceful protests were met with overwhelming force, rather than the thoughtful dialogue and reform that was so desperately needed.

The consistent use of police brutality against peaceful protesters—whether they be students, madrasa teachers, or workers—reveals a troubling pattern. The government's reliance on force instead of engaging in constructive dialogue undermines democracy and the fundamental right to protest.

It is high time for the government to reconsider its approach and prioritise peaceful, open discussions to address public concerns. Only then can Bangladesh hope to build a more just and democratic society where the voices of its citizens are heard and respected.