Written by Tasmia Ishma
The spirit of my homeland – its aspirations and its turmoil – remains etched in my identity. As a Bengali immigrant who left at the age of six, I have always felt deeply connected to my roots, witnessing the power of youth in advocating for change and the harsh realities of censorship that often stifle those voices. The recent student protests in Bangladesh, sparked by government quotas for civil service jobs, represent a crucial chapter in my homeland’s ongoing struggle for freedom and expression. These events highlight not only the challenges faced by the students but also the broader implications for democracy and dissent.
In 2024, peaceful protests against a job quota system quickly escalated into a significant uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ruling Awami League party. The movement drew inspiration from previous protests but was propelled by students’ anger over persistent corruption, lack of opportunity, and state repression. In response to a High Court decision to reinstate a 30% job quota for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters, students across six universities initiated widespread protests demanding reform. Rather than engaging with their concerns, the government dismissed their actions as futile. As tensions mounted, the situation deteriorated; members of the ruling party’s student wing violently attacked protesters, signaling a shift towards repression. Clashes ensued, resulting in fatalities and fueling public outrage. The cries of anguish from families grieving lost loved ones intertwined personal tragedy with collective resistance.
In an attempt to stifle dissent, the government imposed an internet blackout, undermining communication and further isolating the protesters. This sequence of events reflects a critical struggle for freedom of expression and highlights the broader implications of state censorship in Bangladesh. Despite brutal measures, the students’ resolve only grew stronger. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement organized a nationwide protest named “March for Justice,” demanding accountability for the deaths and abuses committed during the protests.
However, this struggle for expression is not limited to Bangladesh. In the U.S., we have witnessed a similar wave of student protests, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict. Universities such as Columbia University and the University of Michigan have emerged as critical sites of activism. Students at these institutions have organized large-scale demonstrations, demanding that their universities sever financial ties with companies complicit in Israel’s military actions in Gaza. While many colleges across the nation have seen student activism, Columbia and Michigan stand out for their significant engagement and the intensity of their protests.
At Columbia University, student groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) have been at the forefront of the movement, organizing protests and educational events that bring attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The university’s president, Minouche Shafik, has acknowledged the need for “serious conversations” regarding how Columbia can contribute to addressing issues in the Middle East. However, her statement that “we cannot have one group dictate terms” reflects the complexities and challenges of navigating activism within an academic institution.
Similarly, at the University of Michigan, student activists have camped out in campus plazas, demanding an end to financial investments with Israel. They argue that the university’s investments – amounting to more than $6 billion – support companies that produce weapons and surveillance technologies used against Palestinians. Michigan officials, however, have maintained that they have no direct investments in Israeli companies, citing a nearly 20-year-old policy shielding university investments from political pressures.
The protests at Columbia and Michigan resonate deeply with the struggles faced by students in Bangladesh. In both contexts, young people are standing up against what they perceive as oppression and injustice. While the protests in Bangladesh were met with overt physical violence and government crackdowns, students in the U.S. are facing insidious forms of censorship. Universities, under pressure from donors and media outlets, have sought to manage and control the narrative surrounding these protests.
In some instances, university administrations have taken actions to limit student voices, invoking codes of conduct to suppress dissent. Students at Columbia and Michigan have reported feeling intimidated, facing backlash from both the administration and peers for their activism. The tactics used to silence student dissent, whether through physical violence or institutional pressure, serve to illustrate a shared struggle against authoritarianism and censorship.
The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical context. In the U.S., the discourse surrounding the Gaza conflict is highly polarized, with students often facing backlash not only from university administrations but also from their peers and broader society. This reflects a disturbing trend where dissenting opinions are met with hostility, fostering an environment where students may hesitate to voice their beliefs for fear of retribution. The pressure to conform to prevailing narratives can stifle the vibrant discussions essential to a university environment. This parallels the experience of students in Bangladesh, who face not just governmental oppression but also societal stigma for their activism.
Moreover, the parallels between the protests in Bangladesh and the U.S. emphasize the universality of the fight against censorship. In both cases, students are challenging systems that seek to control their narratives. The struggle for justice and accountability is not confined to a single nation; rather, it is a global phenomenon driven by the voices of the youth.
As a Bengali immigrant, I see the struggles of these students as a continuation of our legacy rooted in the fight for independence in 1971. Their bravery in the face of violence and repression serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting freedom of speech and expression. The strength of their collective spirit ignites a flame of hope, urging us all to remember that freedom is a struggle worth fighting for – not just in Bangladesh, but everywhere.
The events of 2024 will resonate beyond Bangladesh, echoing in the hearts of those who believe in justice, equity, and the power of youth to enact change. As we witness these struggles unfold, we must amplify the voices of those who dare to challenge oppression, ensuring that the stories of their fight against censorship are not silenced. Whether in Dhaka or on U.S. college campuses like Columbia University and the University of Michigan, the message is clear: the fight for justice and free speech is universal, and the youth are leading the charge.
The role of social media in these protests cannot be overstated. In Bangladesh, social media platforms became vital tools for organizing protests, sharing real-time updates, and drawing international attention to the government’s oppressive tactics. Similarly, in the U.S., social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing students, amplifying their voices, and creating a sense of solidarity across campuses. Hashtags associated with the protests have gone viral, connecting activists not only within their institutions but also across the globe. This digital connectivity allows for the rapid dissemination of information and fosters a sense of community among those advocating for change.
However, this reliance on social media also poses challenges. Both the Bangladeshi government and U.S. universities have attempted to control narratives by regulating online content and monitoring social media activity. In Bangladesh, internet blackouts during protests stifled communication and undermined organizers’ efforts to mobilize supporters. In the U.S., universities have taken steps to curb the spread of misinformation, sometimes conflating dissent with misinformation to manage student activism.
Despite these challenges, the determination of students to seek justice remains unwavering. The protests at Columbia and the University of Michigan serve as a testament to the resilience of youth activism in the face of oppression. As students unite to confront these issues, they draw upon a rich history of activism and resistance, reminding us that the struggle for justice is not only a contemporary issue but a continuation of a larger narrative.
The protests in Bangladesh and the U.S. illuminate the shared struggles of students in their quest for freedom and expression. Whether facing the brute force of state repression or the subtler pressures of institutional control, students are at the forefront of a movement that seeks to reclaim their voices and advocate for justice. Their bravery and resilience serve as an inspiration, reminding us all that the fight for equity, justice, and freedom is a global struggle – one that transcends borders and generations. As we continue to witness these unfolding narratives, let us stand in solidarity with those who dare to challenge the status quo and amplify the voices that demand change.