Every nation that prides itself on having democratic values must have space for protests and dissent. Indeed, it was among the biggest criticisms of the previous Awami League regime -- that it simply provided no space for any dissent, and those who dared to assemble or voice their concerns were swiftly silenced, sometimes for good.
With that said, we cannot wholeheartedly condone many of the protests that have been springing up in various parts of the nation, of which the demonstrations that were seen by students of Titumir College this week are the prime example.
Beyond the disruption that is caused to daily traffic and commuting for thousands, the fact that these protesters resorted to violent means, with media reports highlighting the throwing of stones at a train that was forced to stop and injuring passengers in the protest, should simply not be tolerated.
Not only are these protesters doing a disservice to the everyday public through their actions, but are also going against the very principles of those who protested in July and August of this year to bring about the much needed change in our nation.
It must be highlighted that the administration, unlike in previous years, is not only cooperating with the protesters, but is also swiftly proposing decisions. Just yesterday, Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud announced plans to give seven colleges in Dhaka an integrated institutional framework, removing them from Dhaka University's affiliation.
We must once again state that protests and dissent for just causes must continue to be a core component of any state which believes in democratic values. However, expecting decisions overnight while antagonizing an administration that has already shown a willingness to cooperate helps no one.
With that said, we cannot wholeheartedly condone many of the protests that have been springing up in various parts of the nation, of which the demonstrations that were seen by students of Titumir College this week are the prime example.
Beyond the disruption that is caused to daily traffic and commuting for thousands, the fact that these protesters resorted to violent means, with media reports highlighting the throwing of stones at a train that was forced to stop and injuring passengers in the protest, should simply not be tolerated.
Not only are these protesters doing a disservice to the everyday public through their actions, but are also going against the very principles of those who protested in July and August of this year to bring about the much needed change in our nation.
It must be highlighted that the administration, unlike in previous years, is not only cooperating with the protesters, but is also swiftly proposing decisions. Just yesterday, Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud announced plans to give seven colleges in Dhaka an integrated institutional framework, removing them from Dhaka University's affiliation.
We must once again state that protests and dissent for just causes must continue to be a core component of any state which believes in democratic values. However, expecting decisions overnight while antagonizing an administration that has already shown a willingness to cooperate helps no one.