Thousands Rally in Bangladesh to Mark Student-Led Uprising and Remember Over 1,000 Killed

A Nation in Mourning

Over 1,000 people were killed during the protests, marking the country’s deadliest period since its 1971 independence war.

Thousands of Bangladeshis rallied at a ‘March for Unity’ in the capital Dhaka on Tuesday to mark the student-led uprising five months ago that led to the ouster of longstanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and remember the more than 1,000 killed in the violence.

Students Against Discrimination Drop Plans for Constitutional Changes

The Students Against Discrimination (SAD) group that led the protests dropped a plan to call for changes to the country’s 1972 constitution at the rally, after the interim government announced on Monday that it would prepare a proclamation. SAD says a ‘Proclamation of the July Revolution’ is essential to honour the sacrifice of the protesters who died or were wounded, and to serve as a document reflecting the people’s aspirations. Some political analysts had expressed concern that there could be fresh instability if students sought changes to the constitution without broader consensus.

Interim Government Seeks National Consensus on Declaration

The press office of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, said it would seek national consensus on a ‘Declaration of the July Uprising’, focusing on unity, state reform, and the broader goals of the uprising. It expressed hope that a declaration would be finalised soon.

Families of Victims Join Rally

On Tuesday, groups of students arrived from across the country and families of those killed in the unrest also joined the rally. They carried the national flag and chanted slogans against Hasina. “My son Shahriar, a ninth-grade student, was killed (during the protests),” Abul Hasan told the rally. “Our tears will never stop, this pain will never end.”

Background of the Protests

The protests were initially sparked by opposition to public sector job quotas. What started as a student-led movement quickly morphed into a broader, nationwide uprising against Hasina’s government. The unrest reached its peak on Aug 5, when violence forced Hasina to resign and flee to India, just before protesters stormed her official residence. Over 1,000 people were killed during the protests, marking the country’s deadliest period since its 1971 independence war.

Interim Government and Election Timeline

An interim government was formed, tasked with restoring stability and preparing elections. The interim administration includes two representatives of the students. Yunus has said elections could be held by the end of 2025.

Conclusion

The ‘March for Unity’ rally marked a significant moment in Bangladesh’s recent history, as the nation comes to terms with the devastating consequences of the student-led uprising. The interim government’s efforts to seek national consensus on a declaration will be crucial in ensuring a peaceful transition and a stable future for the country.

FAQs

* What sparked the protests in Bangladesh?
+ The protests were initially sparked by opposition to public sector job quotas.
* How many people were killed during the protests?
+ Over 1,000 people were killed during the protests, marking the country’s deadliest period since its 1971 independence war.
* Who leads the interim government?
+ Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus leads the interim government.
* When are elections expected to be held?
+ Elections could be held by the end of 2025, according to Yunus.