The context of the indiscriminate kill

 Blinded by absolute power, the government refuses to accept the new reality. The Prime Minister and several ministers repeatedly question why the student protests persist despite their concessions on quota reforms. This demonstrates a disconnect between the government, the Awami League leaders, and the public, revealing their inability to grasp the gravity of the situation. The indiscriminate shootings by police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) that left over 200 dead and thousands injured have drastically changed the scenario, a reality they seem to deny or forget. The government itself acknowledged the death of 150 people in these incidents.

 

Around 400 people received treatment at a Dhaka eye hospital for injuries sustained in recent violence, with 300 requiring admission and 250 needing eye surgery due to shotgun pellet injuries. The total number of such injuries remains unknown, as does the number of those who will suffer permanent disabilities or require surgeries.

These events reflect a level of brutality that cannot be compared to typical police responses to protests worldwide. They echo the "shoot-on-sight" orders from an Awami League leader. Today's discussion focuses on justice. Against the backdrop of murders of civilians and students, the role of the police and BGB as perpetrators, mass arrests, block raids, house searches, false charges, and the vilification of protesters as saboteurs and anti-state elements, we demand justice.

The pervasive fear among students, youth, and politically active individuals is fueling the protests and public outrage. A father recently shared his anxiety over his school-going son, fearing the worst at any unusual noise near their home at night. This government response to civil movements is unprecedented in Bangladesh’s post-independence history and perhaps the entire subcontinent. The idea that a civilian government would deploy such violence against its people is chilling. This systematic brutality, ongoing for days, has prompted no reflection or policy change from the government. 

How did the party that led our independence struggle devolve to this state? Over 15 years of unaccountable power, greed, accumulation of wealth, and abuse of power are to blame. Among the many deaths, the tragic story of six-year-old Ria Gop from Narayanganj stands out. She was playing on the roof when police began shooting at protesters nearby. Her father rushed to bring her inside, but she was fatally shot while in his arms.

Similarly, the death of Sumaiya Akhter, a 20-year-old mother, further illustrates the brutality. Shot while on the balcony of her sixth-floor apartment, presumably by police firing from helicopters, her death supports numerous claims of aerial gunfire during the protests.

We demand an objective and thorough investigation into the use of helicopters to shoot at protesters. Judicial inquiries should continue for all deaths, and this specific incident warrants a separate, expedited investigation to uncover the truth. Why did so many die at the hands of law enforcement? Who assessed the threat level before shooting? What authorized the use of such advanced weapons, intended for border defense, against unarmed students?

The government and ruling party seem to be living in their own bubble, ignoring the deep wounds inflicted on the public by the deaths and injuries. Justice must be served before peace can return to campuses and streets. While force might bring temporary calm, it will not provide lasting stability. The prolonged uncertainty will harm the economy and diminish our international standing.

Those in power often ignore the limits of their methods. Deploying Ansar, police, RAB, BGB, and even the army, and imposing curfews have not yielded positive results. Instead, they have increased violence, death, arrests, and harassment, further inflaming public anger and despair. True, sustainable peace will not come through force but by addressing the root issues—unchecked corruption and the abuse of power.

We urge the government to confront the truth rather than cling to a convenient narrative. A thorough investigation into the excessive violence used against protesters and ensuring justice is crucial. Ignoring these facts in the age of modern technology, where information is readily available, will only worsen their plight.

Mahfuz Anam: Editor and Publisher, The Daily Star

Translated by Mohammad Ishtiaque Khan