The night of August 4 was a terrible day. I was shook by the horrific news of the death of around 100 people throughout the day. I could only comprehend that the coming days were going to be even worse. I could not sleep properly all night because of the shock.
On August 5, people started to talk that the 15-year-long authoritarian rule was finally ending. With a huge surprise, as the Chief of the Army Staff announced an address to the nation, the winds of change started to blow. It was being delayed due to technical reasons. However, the news of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and escape became prevalent in social media. In the meantime, people had already taken control of the roads and were rushing towards the Gonobhaban.
I dared to join the masses. The streets were crowded with an energy I had never witnessed before. People from all walks of life came together, their faces were lit with genuine smiles, and their voices were lifted in triumphant chants of freedom.
From the Moghbazar intersection people were chanting “Khuni Hasina palaise!” (The killer Hasina has fled). The chants of “Bhua!” were also heard from the people.
As I moved forward, I saw expressions of pure joy. Strangers embraced, children waved flags, and the air was filled with the sound of joy. They were singing national songs, enjoying themselves and eventually inhaling the free air of Bangladesh without a dictator. The Mohakhali flyover was full of people marching towards the National Parliament building.
A lot of people were shaking hands with the soldiers as a way of showing respect. Some were hugging them. Some people were even found distributing sweets.
A father, holding his child’s hand tightly, expressed his hopes for a future where he could raise their children without fear. An elderly woman with tears in her eyes said that she had lost her son during the regime's brutality. These conversations were a powerful testament to the strength and courage of ordinary citizens who had endured so much pain and brutality.
People from all walks of life came together, their faces were lit with genuine smiles, and their voices were lifted in triumphant chants of freedom
Yet, despite the excitement, I felt worried. As I walked toward the national parliament, I saw chaos there. Some people were suddenly breaking into the parliament and taking whatever they could find. The sight of broken windows and messy offices was very different from the happy atmosphere outside.
I talked to a few people who were looting, trying to understand why they were doing it. One young man with a chair of the Gonobhaban told me that he saw this as a chance to take back what had been stolen from the people. He said that the wealth taken by corrupt officials rightfully belonged to the citizens.
I could see why people wanted to destroy everything related to the government, as it had caused so much suffering. The parliament was the symbol of that oppressive regime, so it made sense for people to be angry and frustrated. On the other hand, I was worried that this wild behaviour could ruin the freedom we all had worked so hard for.
Nevertheless, I was very happy to see our fellow students trying to protect these national resources.
In the days ahead, we need to use the energy and excitement of this historic moment for positive change. We need to come together as a nation to rebuild our institutions, restore trust in our government, and create a society where everyone can succeed. This will take patience, empathy, and commitment.
Today I feel both hopeful and cautious. We have proved again the indomitable spirit of the Bangladeshis. Now, we need to show that we can protect and nurture the freedom we have won. Let's honour the sacrifices of those before us by building a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Ruwaid Mehran Shayaan is a student at Dhaka Residential Model College.
