Salute to Students and Popular Protesters in Bangladesh – ILPS Asia and the Pacific

The International League of Peoples’ Struggle – Asia and the Pacific salutes the student and popular protesters for their bravery under fire as they demanded what is their right – jobs and democratic freedom. The authoritarian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and fled after the protesters surrounded her official residence.

ILPS Asia-Pacific honors those martyred fighting for jobs and democracy. On 15th July, a peaceful protest by students of Dhaka University demanding reform in the quota system for public service jobs was violently attacked. The killing of student protesters led to somewhere between 280 and 1000 killings, including 32 children, and the arrest of thousands, which inflamed a very broad popular movement against the Awami Legue government of Sheikh Hasina.

ILPS Asia-Pacific is hopeful that a unity government will be formed soon in Bangladesh, and that the army can return to barracks and fresh elections called. The next government should be composed of all democratic forces in Bangladesh, advocating and promoting the rights of all working people, and seeking accountability for all the transgressions against the people. Those responsible for the murder and injury to the protesters must be held accountable.

We are also hopeful that the main issue which led to the protest be addressed. Youth and overall unemployment must be tackled by the new unity government. Jobs must be created inside Bangladesh through the development of various local industries, and not confined to ready-to-wear garments for the big brands. The farmers and the agricultural sector must be supported and developed to ensure the needs of the people.

We are also looking forward to more grassroots groups forming across Bangladesh. Trade unions, workers groups, farmers and fisherfolk groups, women groups, youth groups and many more should be formed across Bangladesh to ensure that reforms are realised. The formation of multiple organizations across Bangladesh will also ensure voice of the working people in governance, in the local and in the national level.

ILPS Asia-Pacific affirms its support to the world’s oppressed peoples in their battle against tyranny and exploitation. The triumphant rise of the Bangladeshi people serves as a beacon of hope for all who fight for freedom and democracy.