Domestic and foreign observers have taken note of the recent upheaval brought on by student demonstrations in Bangladesh calling for the reform in the quota system for government employment. What started as a peaceful gathering regrettably escalated into violent confrontations resulting in the loss of lives of many and damaging large public property.
Media, government, and student accounts point to third-party participation in the movement. The gangs encouraged others to participate and broke into the demonstrations damaging government buildings and facilities. A major blow to Bangladesh's economy, the loss is projected to be several thousand crores of Bangladeshi currency. The reasons underlying these damaging deeds seem to transcend the simple damage of the iconic installations. One can say with certainty that these strikes were meant to undermine the government and upset the national economy.
Long-term consequences of such economic sabotage can influence the daily living of common people as well as investors’ confidence.
Along with damaging many government buildings, important infrastructure was targeted. State-owned TV stations as well as iconic projects such as the metro rail and elevated expressways caught fire. These acts of arson and destruction also affect other important facilities, therefore contributing to anarchy and greatly interfering with vital services such as the internet.
Claiming their demonstration was nonviolent, the leaders of the quota campaign have denied student participation in the string of damage. The government has blamed opposition supporters and their partners for preparing violence to further political goals, pointing the finger at them.
Following these events, the government has to look into these events closely. Every act of violence, every murder, every act of vandalism has to be painstakingly examined. Regardless of political leaning, criminals have to be found and answerable for their deeds. Apart from safeguarding the security of the country and thereby regaining the faith of the people, this is also a question of justice for the victims.
Such damage has political and societal ramifications apart from its financial ones. Repairing the public properties that have been damaged would cost a lot of money for the government. Furthermore, the unstable climate will affect local and international investment, poor economic development, and fewer job possibilities. Such events may be especially destructive for a developing nation like Bangladesh, which depends mostly on ongoing economic expansion to raise living standards.
It is suggested to engage in meaningful conversation with students. They should finish their negotiations with the government because the circular to eliminate the quota has been issued. One can get long-lasting serenity and stability by employing this solution.
In this regard, the media plays another crucial role. By covering these incidents, the media helps the people to be informed. Many times, people have been misled about this movement by disseminating different sorts of social media gossip. All have to cooperate to provide a peaceful resolution for the student movement. Reliable information dissemination can stop false information from proliferating and lower the possibility of further violence.
The nation has endured significant economic losses. The government has to make sure that a fair inquiry reveals and penalizes the violent offenders.
Not just by economic measures, but also by social and political stability, the dynamic wheel of the economy has to be safeguarded and nourished. Recent events remind us sharply how closely the greater social and political setting shapes economic development. Once the underlying reasons for the discontent have been addressed, both parties should be able to settle the remaining needs of the students by employing communication.
All sides have to make some compromises. Bangladesh must ensure the accountability of all those engaged in violence so that it may go on the road to sustainable development and enduring peace.
Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a Professor at the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.
