THE ongoing state reform must ensure the recognition of indigenous populations. Indigenous communities have long been involved in democratic struggles, from the Liberation War of 1971 to resistance against British rule. They have also played a significant role in movements against authoritarianism. For too long, indigenous populations and their contributions have been marginalised and rendered invisible. We refuse to endure such erasure again. We seek recognition for all ethnic identities.
At this pivotal moment in our country鈥檚 history, we must question whether the 2024 protests are genuinely inclusive and anti-discriminatory, or if they are evolving into a majoritarian movement. In 2018, the elimination of the quota system led to the complete cancellation of the quota for indigenous populations by the former prime minister. Then, in 2024, we witnessed the reduction of the 5 per cent quota for ethnic minorities to just 1 per cent by the court.
Furthermore, another concern for indigenous people is the rise in violence against minorities since the former prime minister鈥檚 resignation. We call on the student movement to recognise the insecurity that minorities are facing in the country and to offer support in addressing this issue.
One of the conveners, Asif Mahmud, referred to indigenous communities using the term 鈥榢shudra nrigoshthi.鈥� We expect our convenors to be aware of the political implications behind terms like 鈥榩rantik janagoshthi鈥�, 鈥榰pajati鈥�, tribal, and other such labels for ethnic minorities. They should recognise that using these terms is inappropriate for any group that claims to stand against discrimination.
Another concern among ethnic minorities is the fragmentation within our regional parties since August 5. For instance, in Chittagong, two women from the JSS (Jana Samhati Samiti)-backed Hill Women鈥檚 Federation were reportedly kidnapped, allegedly in the presence of the army. This highlights the need to pay close attention to the impact of student politics at every stage. We must ensure that this movement does not turn into a majoritarian one that lacks true inclusivity. Student politics is clearly guiding the direction of state reform, and when discussing state reform, we must guarantee representation for all groups, regardless of their backgrounds. This state cannot, under any circumstances, be defined by a single ethnicity, language, or religion.
We expect those who form the interim government to respect differences, whether related to gender, religion, ethnicity, or language. I also hope that, instead of being influenced by popularity, the interim government will recognise and appoint individuals who have genuinely worked for diverse communities and will bring their concerns to the forefront. There are various lists circulating on social media, and some of the individuals on those lists have played significant roles in the militarisation of hill districts. Additionally, there are those who have attempted to enforce Bengalisation. We do not want such individuals in the interim government. In my opinion, anyone who cannot appreciate and respect differences should not be part of the interim government.
Another issue I believe needs emphasis is freedom of speech. Across the various platforms for expressing our thoughts鈥攚hether on social media, at conferences, or in any type of gathering鈥攚e often find ourselves engaging in self-censorship. I expect the interim government to provide us with the space to speak freely, to tell our stories, and to share our lives, livelihoods, and experiences, even when there is disagreement.
Under the previous regime, we witnessed a severe erosion of freedom of speech. We absolutely do not want to see this repeated by the interim government. At the very least, we should be granted the platform to speak. It is not necessary for us to always be in agreement, nor do we expect the interim government 鈥� or any government 鈥� to always meet our demands. However, we do not want any further decline in the opportunities to express ourselves. We observed that it was not just the government restricting freedom of speech; workplaces also imposed restrictions, preventing employees from posting on social media about certain issues. We do not want this kind of monitoring and surveillance, and we urge the interim government to take steps to prevent it.
Lastly, I urge the interim government to be inclusive, ensuring that every group is represented, including women, students, people with disabilities, and Indigenous populations.
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Md Habibul Haque is a lecturer in English at ZH University of Science and Technology.