In Dhaka, the absence of police on the streets has left students and paramilitary forces shouldering the responsibility of maintaining order following a police strike following a popular uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The city, usually packed with police, now sees students directing traffic and attempting to enforce law and order after widespread rioting and violence that left hundreds dead.
While an interim government is expected but not yet operational, concerns about security and stability loom among both the population and law enforcement. The recent crackdown by security forces has failed to quell anti-government sentiment that was initially sparked by disputes over public sector job quotas.
Since Ms. Hasina’s departure for India, a relative calm has settled over the city, though punctuated by sporadic violence and looting during the political transition. Noorjahan Mily, a 21-year-old student, expresses the aspirations of many young Bangladeshis for freedom of expression, an end to corruption and the right to protest, highlighting the uncertain but hopeful atmosphere that prevails in the country.
Recent events have marked a significant shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape, with power being wrested from longtime rulers amid the deadliest bout of violence since the nation’s independence in 1971. The appointment of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as interim leader has been greeted with cautious optimism by student protesters, who envision a democratic future under his leadership.
Students, actively engaged in recent movements for change, are now on the front lines of maintaining order and facilitating the transition to a new government. Their efforts to direct traffic, ensure safety, and uphold democratic values reflect a collective desire for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As Bangladesh moves through this pivotal moment in its history, the role of students as catalysts for change and guardians of peace underscores the resilience and determination of a generation striving for a brighter, more democratic future. Through their actions and aspirations, they embody the hope and potential for a transformed and progressive Bangladesh under new leadership.