Take concrete steps to address public anger
We condemn the fresh set of violence that occurred in different parts of the country on August 2, leaving at least two people dead and almost 150 injured. The clashes reportedly took place in the capital's Uttara area, Sylhet, Khulna, Narsingdi, Chattogram and Noakhali during processions of the student movement against discrimination. Law enforcers and members of ruling party affiliated student wings allegedly tried to foil the processions at different locations, which led to the violence. On August 2, thousands of people from different walks of life joined the students in their march for justice. And they again came out in huge numbers alongside thousands of students yesterday, demanding investigations into the killings that took place in July following a government crackdown on students using state and non-state actors.
As we have repeatedly said in this column, the use of force to attempt to quell the student movement, from the outset, was a terrible mistake. Such attempts were totally undemocratic, and have now transformed the movement to a point where it is no longer restricted to the students only. People from all walks of life have extended their support to the nine demands of the students. And we hope the government understands the gravity of the situation, and the necessity to show restraint and create the groundwork for open and prompt negotiations.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. In that regard, we see wisdom in the prime minister's willingness to sit with the protesting students and listen to them. The students, however, have so far refused to sit for dialogue with the government. The government's previous actions, which ran contrary to its own statements, as well as the expectations and hopes of the students, have created this situation where the students no longer seem to trust the government. The government's decision to arrest huge numbers of people—including students and ordinary citizens—while dithering about in regards to investigating law enforcers responsible for shooting at unarmed students and citizens, as well as various other questionable decisions, has naturally created immense misgivings about the government among students in particular.
As of now, while calling for dialogue, the government has not taken any concrete steps to address the grievances of the students or the public in general. Therefore, the government should immediately launch credible investigations into the firings. Those responsible for such atrocities and the killing and injuring of students must be brought to book. Additionally, it is high time to hold those who pushed for the student protests to be quelled using violence to account also. In their nine demands, the students have identified certain ministers for their role in the events that unfolded. These ministers should be held responsible for their actions.
These and other concrete steps are the only way forward for the government. The public anger that has taken hold should be understood, rather than undermined, so that the country can find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing unrest. And that is essential to prevent any further damage to our economy and society, and most importantly, to prevent any further violence and loss of lives.
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