The ongoing Bangla Blockade paused for a day as students leading the quota reform movement prepared for their next round of protests.
Defying the rain, they sat on the streets, waving banners and shouting slogans
How many of those injured during the July-August uprising, like Abdullah, are still fighting for their lives?
The interim government today published a preliminary list of the people who died during the student-led mass protests in July and August.
Bangladesh is heading down an extremely dangerous path
As artistes across the nation speak out against ongoing violence and aggression towards the quota reform protesters, actress Tasnia Farin has taken to social media to express regret for her silence. Yesterday, in a heartfelt Facebook post, Farin apologised to protesters for not raising her voice earlier, admitting that fear had kept her quiet.
Students who were shot dead and injured were simply exercising their democratic rights and posed no threat to anybody.
It’s incredible how the same slogans, songs, anthems, and the spirit of Bengali nationalism and the Liberation War of 1971 are being echoed both on the streets and in assemblies, but this time with supporting views on the ongoing quota reform movement that has gripped the nation for the past month. Bengal has always been a land where political resurgence has stood on the stronghold of its culture.
Under the platform titled “Artistes Against Genocide and Oppression”, a diverse group comprising visual artistes, photographers, performance artistes, musicians, poets, writers, researchers, architects, and art organisers, organised this rally of resistance. Their gathering was a response to the recent turmoil surrounding the quota reform protests, which have led to wholesale arrests and indiscriminate killings.
Due to the ongoing unrest over the quota reform movement, the country's cinemas are facing significant difficulties. Even five weeks into Eid, last week's audience interest in movies was noticeable. Weekend crowds were also evident. Those involved in the film industry were hopeful about the future. However, the sudden instability in the country has concerned cinema hall authorities. Although some single-screen cinemas have reopened today, the audience turnout is not the same as before. The multiplexes, however, remain uncertain about their reopening.
With social media activity at a standstill and the curfew ongoing, many are left wondering how celebrities are coping without the internet. Although broadband internet resumed on Tuesday night in a few regions, Facebook remains inaccessible, leaving many feeling disconnected. We reached out to some of our favourite celebrities to see how they are handling this digital hiatus.
The Raihan Rafi directorial was expected to run for the foreseeable future before the quota reform protests started. According to the producers, the film earned around Tk 25 crore, a rare feat for a Bangladeshi film. Even though some people did go see the film at the start of the movement, cinema halls had to close down after nationwide violence started, claiming the lives of many involved.
Nearly all multiplex and single-screen cinemas, including Star Cineplex and Lion Cinemas, have been closed for over a week due to the national crisis.
Around 33 production houses in Bangladesh produce dramas specifically for their YouTube channels, with clips often being shared on Facebook.
As quota reform protesters clashed violently with police and the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) during their "complete shutdown" movement, rapper and barrister Towfique Ahmed announced on Facebook that his law firm would provide assistance to the protesters.
Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba posted yesterday and again today. In his latest post, he wrote, “Violence and bloodshed bring no solutions. Can’t we resolve this by listening to the students and engaging in dialogue? Do we lack voices to speak and ears to listen?”
The clashes resulted in over 300 injuries, including female students and BCL members, and as of July 18, seven fatalities have been reported nationwide.
