In this moment of national grief, let us come together, not divided by political affiliations but united in our shared humanity and our collective desire for a peaceful and just Bangladesh, writes Shahed Jalal
THE current generation of students, often termed Gen Z, has a unique approach to engaging with the world. Unlike prior generations, they shun traditional media such as television, preferring instead a diverse array of digital platforms. This shift signifies more than just a technological change; it represents a fundamental transformation in how young people perceive and interact with information. They are savvy, discerning, and critically aware, making it increasingly difficult for traditional media to influence them without scrutiny. Their high level of media literacy ensures that they are not easily misled by biassed or censored information, as they seek authenticity and transparency, often turning to independent and diverse sources to form their opinions.
It is with profound sorrow that we address you during this time of immense tragedy. Recently, over 200 of our fellow Bangladeshis lost their lives in civil unrest, a loss that resonates deeply within our nation. This tragic event highlights the fragile nature of peace and the devastating consequences of violence. As a democratic society, it is our duty to protect the fundamental right to voice dissent, but this must never come at the cost of human lives.
The destruction of government property, while concerning, pales in comparison to the greater tragedy: the loss of innocent lives. Reports indicate that the protesters were largely unarmed, using only stones and sticks, with no evidence of gunfire originating from them. This raises a critical and deeply troubling question: why was lethal force employed against citizens who posed no mortal threat?
It is imperative that we hold accountable those responsible for this excessive use of force. The rules of engagement, designed to protect human life, appear to have been grossly violated. The heart-wrenching stories of a six-year-old child and an eleven-year-old boy among the casualties are particularly distressing. These young lives, full of potential, have been tragically cut short, leaving a permanent scar on their families and our community. These were not just numbers; they were our children, our future, and their untimely deaths are a loss we must not allow to be forgotten.
This tragedy transcends politics; it is fundamentally a human issue. Each life lost was precious; each individual was a beloved member of a family, a community, and our nation. The impact of their absence will be felt deeply and enduringly by their loved ones. In this time of profound grief, it is our collective responsibility to support the families of the victims and to stand in solidarity with them. We must ensure that their pain is acknowledged and that they do not face this tragedy alone.
To honour those we have lost, we must take definitive action. A comprehensive and accurate list of the deceased must be compiled to ensure that every life is acknowledged and remembered. Beyond remembrance, we must provide tangible support to the families affected by this tragedy, ensuring they have the resources and care needed to navigate this incredibly difficult time.
Moreover, there is an urgent need for an independent and impartial inquiry to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy. This investigation must be thorough, transparent, and focused on uncovering the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. It is only through such an inquiry that we can learn from these events and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The goal must be to safeguard our society from repeating the mistakes that have led to such a profound loss of life.
As a parent, the pain felt by those who have lost their children resonates deeply with me. Words, while important, are insufficient to ease the suffering of these families. However, we can and must offer more than words. As a nation, we must demonstrate our solidarity through actions, showing a collective commitment to preventing such tragedies from happening again. This is not just a moral obligation but a societal necessity.
In this moment of national grief, let us come together, not divided by political affiliations but united in our shared humanity and our collective desire for a peaceful and just Bangladesh. We owe it to the memory of those who have lost their lives, including the police officers who have also perished, and to future generations who deserve to live in a country free from violence and fear. Let this tragedy be a turning point, a moment where we collectively say 鈥榥ever again鈥� and work tirelessly to ensure that it truly never happens again.
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Shahed Jalal lives in Australia.
