It is expected that those in charge of any nation will exercise patience and understanding, and look for any and all opportunities to de-escalate a precarious situation. Simultaneously, any democratic government is expected to be transparent and accountable, and be honest with the people.
It is with sadness that we must admit that our leaders have on too many occasions during this past crisis been less than candid with us. The myriad murky details being offered about the events of the past three weeks, from Abu Sayed’s death, to the killings at the hands of law enforcement, can ultimately only serve to lessen people's faith in the government and therefore lead to a diminution of its credibility and authority.
To that end, the fact that we are getting a joint statement from the six coordinators of the quota reform movement saying that they had been held captive “forcefully” for seven days by the police and that they did not give the video statement calling off protests voluntarily raises even more questions while further eroding trust.
Getting forced statements under duress from the coordinators, after keeping them captive under false reasoning for a week, is not the kind of action that instills faith in a government; the people of this country expect and deserve better, especially in the aftermath of what has been among the most difficult periods in our recent history. Especially galling was the fact that the government's economy with the truth was apparent to even the most casual observer. In short, who do they think they are fooling?
It is unfortunate that while at every stage over the past three weeks, our government could have and should have made efforts for concessions, they ultimately failed to do so, and made matters worse. Indeed, all of the bloodshed, the deaths, the destruction, and the hurt, fear, and sorrow that have gripped our nation could have been avoided had those in charge made better decisions, or simply made the decisions they eventually were forced to make in a more timely and gracious manner..
The authorities may still have time to correct matters before the situation escalates further, and it starts with being honest and truthful to the people of Bangladesh. It is time for them to take responsibility and act in a manner that is befitting of a democratic administration that is for, of, and by the people.
