DHAKA continues to remain a very happening place in terms of protests that diverse groups hold to push for their demands. The rallies, demonstrations, gatherings, blockade and processions keep taking place on most of the weekdays, causing immense sufferings to people who need to go to work or do some other chores. The groups that are now out on the roads, holding protests to press home their demands, include the supporters of a Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader seeking his swearing-in as Dhaka鈥檚 south mayor after an election tribunal recognised him as mayor. University of Dhaka students and, separately, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, hold protests demanding justice for the murder of a fellow, also a Chhatra Dal activist, stabbed to death on May 13, and the resignation of ranking university officials. Secondary school teachers on the monthly pay order scheme hold protests to push for an increase in salary and job nationalisation. Apparel workers hold protests demanding the payment of their wages in arrears and the festival allowance. University of Jagannath students hold protests demanding a solution to their residential problems. Polytechnic institute students hold protests to push for their six-point demand and nursing institute students demand the upgrade of their diploma.
Soldiers dismissed from the armed forces and personnel dismissed from the border force hold protests for reinstatement in their job. The newly formed National Citizen Party also held protests on May 21 to demand the reconstitution of the Election Commission and local government elections before the national elections. Some of the protests also take place in areas outlying Dhaka. There are also some other quarters who have ended or suspended their protests on assurances from the government and the protests may flare up again in the event of the demands having not been met. Whilst not all the demands are logical or have merit, there are some demands that the government should heed or, at least, take note of. Besides, whilst some of the issues have come up afresh, some of the issues have been lying over for months, especially since the political changeover in August 2024. But, the government appears not willing enough to decisively, in cases where possible, deal with many of the matters, in whichever direction dimmed appropriate, logical or pragmatic. Such a situation could give birth to speculations that the government is unwilling to resolve the issue, which would be damaging for both the government and the protesters, while ordinary people would keep suffering.
The government should, in such a situation, at least take note of the protests, speak to the protesters, talk about the demands and resolve the issues the way that would be appropriate to save it from hassles.