Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh is still boiling. The country is not yet satisfied with the leaving of the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, as protests continue to get her back from neighbouring India. Grievances against India have heightened after allegations of the opening of dams leading to disastrous floods in parts of Bangladesh came up.
At Shahbag, between the Dhaka University and the Sheikh Mujeeb Hospital, lies the tomb of Bangladesh’s national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Outside on the TSC (Teacher-Students Centre) at the Dhaka University crossroads, is a statue dedicated to slain student leader Moin Hossain Raju.
Students, men, women and workers participated in a protest largely against India at the TSC. “We want good relations with India, but the way Modi and Shah are behaving is unfortunate,” says Pavel Hossain, a student leader.
Protests on the Raju Bhaskar statue – dedicated to student leader Raju who died fighting – at the Dhaka University area. Photo: Shome Basu
A flag seller in Dhaka. Photo: Shome Basu
A protester. Photo: Shome Basu
The writing on the wall says ‘Hasina, you student-killer’. Photo: Shome Basu
A meeting of the Islamic Chhatra Andolon. Photo: Shome Basu
The Islamic Chhatra Andolan is a right-wing organisation since 1988. Its secretary general Muntasir Ahmed has alleged that India is specifically upholding relations with the Hasina family and not directly looking at the people of the Bangladesh.
The fact that Union home minister Amit Shah had called Bangladeshi people ‘termites’ is a common refrain here. The CAA and NRC is another point of contention. Many in Bangladesh see both Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, and Narendra Modi the prime minister, to have been responsible for opening the gates of the dam.
Protesters gesture to the camera. Photo: Shome Basu
Flags, headscarves and bandanas. Photo: Shome Basu
Children hold an anti-Indian placard saying ‘Killer India’s dams were Bangladesh’s death traps’. Photo: Shome Basu
Sloganeering by all age groups reflect deep anti-India sentiments, and also the desire to see the Awami League out. People blame Hasina’s 15 years of authoritarian rule and forced disappearances for this anger.
Children at the Raju Bhaskar statue. Photo: Shome Basu
Students sing Kazi Nazrul Islam’s songs, some directed against India. Photo: Shome Basu
In solidarity with Palestine. Photo: Shome Basu
Dhaka is in a season of revolution. Tanbir, a student, said, “If Professor Yunus can’t deliver in time and call the elections, we know how to bring change…”
Rickshaw pullers ferried people for free during the protests. Photo: Shome Basu
Children with Bangladesh flags. Photo: Shome Basu
Students at Shanbag. Photo: Shome Basu
Protesters. Photo: Shome Basu
