The tragic murder of Abu Sayed marked the beginning of a month-long nightmare…..
It was 2 PM of July 15th when Maisha, an undergraduate student of Khulna University, came across a video on her Facebook news feed. Her heart sank as she watched a young university student, Abu Sayed, collapse to the ground after being shot by police in front of his campus. “I couldn’t believe my eyes,” she recalled. “He was just like us—someone with dreams and ambitions, yet they treated his life as if it was disposable.” That video marked the beginning of a month-long nightmare for Maisha and countless other students across Bangladesh.
A peaceful demand for fairness became a nationwide fight for justice….
The protests, sparked by the reinstatement of a 30% government job quota for children of war veterans, quickly turned into a nationwide movement. Students from all corners of the country poured onto the streets, demanding justice and equality. “It all began peacefully on June 5th of 2024” Maisha recounted, her voice laced with sorrow. “Students were simply demanding a fair chance—a reformed quota system for government jobs where people will get jobs based on their merits and talent. But by mid-July, it had transformed into something unimaginable. The government didn’t just ignore us; they attacked us.”
The government silenced voices by cutting off the internet, but resistance grew stronger…
The situation escalated dramatically when the government ordered violent crackdowns on the protesters. “I’ll never forget July 21st,” Maisha said, her hands trembling as she spoke. “That was the day they cut off the internet connection and mobile network all over the Bangladesh. It was a clear message: silence the voices, hide the truth. But it didn’t stop us.” The protests, which had started as peaceful marches, turned into a nightmare as violence erupted across the country. “They didn’t just beat us or throw tear gas,” Maisha said. “They killed us.” In the days following the blackout, the protesters faced even darker moments. Unable to share what was happening with the outside world, Maisha reflected that the brutality continued. While the government thought disconnecting the nation would weaken their resolve, it only strengthened their determination.
The death of Mugdho, a young student aiding the movement, became a haunting symbol of the protest’s heavy toll.….
One tragedy that etched in Maisha’s memory was the death of Mugdho, an MBA student from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). “He was just delivering water to the protesters,” she said, her voice breaking. “They shot him in cold blood. How do you justify killing someone who’s trying to help?”
Mugdho’s death wasn’t an isolated incident. The violence claimed over 200 lives, including students and civilians who had joined the movement. “It wasn’t just in Dhaka,” Maisha said. “From Sylhet to Khulna, Chittagong to Rajshahi, the bloodshed was everywhere. Families lost their children, siblings lost their brothers and sisters. It was a war zone.”
Maisha’s family joined the protests, turning fear into action….
Despite the fear and despair, Maisha’s family decided they couldn’t stand by any longer. On July 25th, her father made a bold decision. He said, ‘We can’t just sit at home while these students fight for justice. This is our fight too.’The following day, Maisha, her parents, her cousin Rasha and her younger brother joined the protests in Khulna. “Standing there with my family, I felt so much pride,” she said. “Even in the face of such danger, we were united. It wasn’t just a student protest anymore—it was a revolution.”
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation marked the dawn of a new era….
Finally, on August 5th, after weeks of relentless protests and mounting international pressure, Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister of Bangladesh resigned and fled the country. “When the news broke, there were cheers and tears,” Maisha said, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and triumph. “We had fought so hard, lost so much. But we had won.”
The resignation marked the dawn of a new era. “This is a new Bangladesh,” Maisha said with determination. “Built on the courage of its people and the sacrifices of those who gave their lives. This is their legacy, and we will honor it.” The story of these students, their sacrifices, and their unwavering spirit will live on as a reminder that change is possible when people come together for a cause they believe in. Their struggle will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding them that no matter how dark the moment, the dawn of a new day is always within reach.
By Arpita Paul.
References :
1.Corea, Harindrini, and Nazia Erum, “What Is Happening at the Quota-Reform Protests in Bangladesh?” , July 29, 2024, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/what-is-happening-at-the-quota-reform-protests-in-bangladesh/
2.Rahman, Md Mizanur, “The Quota Reform Protest in Bangladesh Is Much More Than It Seems.” The Daily Star, 20 July 2024, https://thediplomat.com/2024/07/the-quota-reform-protest-in-bangladesh-is-much-more-than-it-seems/
3.Anam, Mahfuz, “Why Was Abu Sayed Shot Dead in Cold Blood?” The Daily Star, 18 July 2024, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/why-was-abu-sayed-shot-dead-cold-blood-3659466
4.Mizan, Mashfiq,”A Promising Life Cut Short by Bullet.” The Daily Star, 2 Aug,2024, last updated 8 Sept. 2024, https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/lives-we-lost/news/promising-life-cut-short-bullet-3668151