Bangladesh stands at a pivotal moment in history. The wounds of the past remain open, and now, as a revolution begins, there is a sense of both hope and urgency.

I’m not here to take sides, but I want to ask: Why are we so quick to question the students when reports started coming in of some crossing the line?

Currently, the Bangladeshi tourism sector is witnessing unprecedented problems. While this was supposed to be one of the peak seasons, due to the recent political situation and the current flood that is sweeping many parts of the country, the hospitality industry seems to have come to a standstill.

Bangladesh has recently witnessed extraordinary times. In July 2024, what began as a student movement demanding a restructuring of the government job quota system escalated into a countrywide mass movement for equality, justice, and democratic freedom.

What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.

On 13 August 2024, the Bangladesh Rickshaw Art Society transformed the walls near Sheikh Russel Tower at the Dhaka University campus into a vibrant canvas of rickshaw art.

In celebration of our newfound freedom, everyone is expressing themselves in different ways, one of which is through murals and graffiti.

If we flip the pages of history, we will find that rap and hip-hop music has been a powerful medium for expressing discontent, rallying causes, and standing up to authority. Although other forms of music also contributed in their own way, there is something about hip-hop music when it comes to challenging established power structures that sets it apart from the others.

In the wake of the political upheaval following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, the country found itself in a precarious situation. Students have emerged as key figures in maintaining stability and order during this period.

The fall of this regime has exposed an entirely different side of our society and collective consciousness that was better left hidden.

As quota reform protesters clashed violently with police and the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) during their "complete shutdown" movement, rapper and barrister Towfique Ahmed announced on Facebook that his law firm would provide assistance to the protesters.

As chaos unleashes all over Bangladesh amid the "complete shutdown" announced by quota reform protesters for today, the more popular celebrities are finally voicing their concerns through social media and requesting the safety of students.

The incident has also sparked a storm on social media, where celebrities and cultural activists have raised their voices in support of the protesters.

“There is only one life to live— In this lifetime, why should Rajakars have to be seen again?”