Ultimately, the battle between extractive and inclusive institutions is not just a fight over resources; it is a fight over the future direction of the country.

Will all that the revolution called for in spirit prevail in structures?

For three days we were a state without a government.

Identity and ideology politics also played an essential role in brewing the Bangla Bashanta.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha led a historic uprising. Despite brutal crackdowns, they persisted, ultimately forcing PM Sheikh Hasina to resign. Their courage and sacrifices, including hundreds of lives lost, have painted a new chapter for the nation. However, the fight isn’t over. Maintaining stability and avoiding vandalism is crucial to preserving the support and goodwill earned.

Comments from Shahbhag on August 5, 2024.

The problems are economic, social and political in nature.

Can we envision a future where such pervasive violence and control are no longer defining elements of our daily lives?

Maybe it was the anger at a system that demanded martyrdom before acknowledging legitimate grievances

In Bangladesh, gender quotas are essential for cultivating a more equitable society.

Why did a student movement that started with a demand to reform a discriminatory and unconstitutional system get so violent?

In recent years, attendance at Eid-special movie releases saw a significant surge. However, this Eid, the Shakib Khan starrer "Toofan" not only met but exceeded records set in the past few years. The film's demand remained robust even post-Eid, prompting the country's largest multiplex to add more screenings each week.

The movement was no longer about quotas; it was about justice.

Is it not easier to defeat your enemies in parliament than to be permanently on the warpath against some shapeshifting enemy?

From blockades to rallies, protestors have expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing quota system in many ways. Among the masses that attended the rallies in the last few days, a significant portion consisted of students from various high schools.

The government wasted time while the violence continued.

Internet shutdown is one of the major aspects of control that the Awami League government has exercised to curb the protests.

Why did it use so much force if it was “principally” in favour of quota reforms?

The recent escalation of violence during the quota reform protests has not only raised serious concerns about law enforcement and student safety, but has also cast a long shadow over the mental health of the students involved.

The responsibility for this bloodshed cannot be avoided by either the government or the university authorities.