Student Protests in Dhaka
Last week, a speeding bus killed two students who were crossing the street. This sparked protests across the city, mostly carried out by students, about road safety. Streets have been blocked, (which can cause the city to shut down in a hurry) protesters are demanding to see drivers’ licenses before letting cars through blockades, and there has been government backlash, killing some 25 students. I guess I can let you read all the details in the BBC. For me personally, it’s meant getting a lot of warning emails from the state department, people being late to work, some traffic, but not much else. This morning before work I got a text saying that things were dangerous in some areas and that if we felt we couldn’t get to work safely, to work from home. But my neighborhood and my walk to work has been quiet, so I went. Halfway there I saw a crowd around the grocery store. Everyone seemed fairly calm, but intent. I scanned and noted the large numbers of police in the crowd. State department emails say to avoid crowds and any areas of protest, so I was a bit worried about what this crowd meant. They were quiet enough that I continued onward in my walk, but kept my eyes open for anything. As I got to the middle of them, I looked up at the wall of the building and saw the cricket game on a mounted tv, which the entire crowd was staring intently at. And that was that. Just a group of people (and cops) watching some cricket. So, I’ve been just fine, (other than a few cancelled plans) but I hurt for those affected. My friends have had work cancelled, and my Bangladeshi friend can’t go to school today (and she’s been strictly prohibited by her father from attending any protests).
I think road safety is a worthy cause, and since they’re demanding that traffic laws be enforced, I’m not clear on why the government is retaliating.