After the July 24 coup, how many people took to the streets with various demands! They protested, chanted slogans. Yet, the state did not even lift a finger against them. Rickshaw pullers joined the protests, the unemployed and laborers blocked roads and staged sit-ins. The government pacified them, reassured them, and sent them back home with words of comfort. The general public started believing—this government is ours, a government of the people, a beloved government. The people rejoiced in praise of the administration, declaring, “Not before, but now we are doing well.”
After the August coup, I heard countless unreasonable demands. I witnessed all-day protests blocking roads and saw students’ demonstrations disrupting city life. Yet, neither the government nor the protesters crossed the line. The government’s patience was commendable, and by the end of the day, the protesters returned home peacefully. There was hope and belief that this government would not act like the monstrous regimes of the past. It would understand and engage with the people, acknowledge and negotiate demands, listen and be heard—this was the kind of trust that was expected to form. To a great extent, it did. But suddenly, there seems to be a disruption in that harmony!
Take the almost neglected teachers of the Ibtedayi (primary-level) madrasas. Their earnings are far lower than those of even cobblers and blacksmiths. They also went to the authorities to voice their demands. Seeing others do so freely, they, too, went to express their hardships. For the sake of argument, let’s assume they went to Shahbagh with completely unreasonable demands. But it’s not as if no one had ever gone there with similar demands before! Just yesterday, primary school teachers marched from the Shaheed Minar towards Jamuna. The unemployed regularly go there to demand an increase in the age limit for government jobs. Law enforcement may intervene, but they do not resort to violence.
Did the government need to wield batons against Ibtedayi madrasa teachers just to showcase its authority? Does the administration realize that by attacking teachers, it has suffered a moral defeat? Assaulting individuals who educate young children—was it worth tarnishing its own reputation? Those who have been keeping the flame of education alive in rural areas for years without pay, surviving on meager means—was it necessary to unleash water cannons and baton charges upon them? As a citizen, this sight has deeply pained us.
From long observation, I have a fair understanding of the nature of this interim government. What I witnessed at Shahbagh today does not align with that nature. The government must thoroughly investigate this incident. It must determine whether there is a conspiracy behind it. Is someone attempting to tarnish the administration’s reputation? Anyone who has seen the brutal assault on innocent, humble teachers has been deeply wounded in heart and soul. The police’s aggressive attack on these defenseless teachers signals something ominous. A storm may be brewing in the distance, fueling this lightning strike—perhaps.
The government must immediately sit with the teachers and listen to them. The interim administration may not have the capacity to resolve all issues, but there is no harm in at least hearing their grievances. The reforms being discussed are meant for the public’s welfare! Teachers and laborers are also part of the people. Attacking and injuring teachers—shedding their blood—these are unforgivable crimes. The sooner the state and government realize this, the sooner overall welfare will be ensured. Today’s events suggest that a certain faction is deliberately pulling strings to embarrass the administration. The government must remain vigilant. The well-being of teachers is directly tied to the prosperity of the nation-state.
