SSUM strongly condemns the brutal attack unleashed by Bangladesh state machinery on the students protesting for safety on roads

SSUM-PR-90/18
06-Aug-2018

Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur (SSUM) strongly condemns the brutal attack unleashed by Bangladesh state machinery on the students protesting for safety on roads.

As per the reports more than 200 students’ protestors have been injured till now in the protest in the capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka only. The death of a boy and girl caused by a speeding bus led the students outpouring the streets of Bangladesh in protest demanding better roads and safety on the streets. The protesters are demanding safer roads in Bangladesh, where corruption is rife, making it easy for unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles to ply on the roads. At least 12,000 people die each year in road accidents often blamed on faulty vehicles, reckless driving and lax traffic enforcement.

Around 25,000 people died in 3 and half years and 62,500 injured in the same period on the roads. The spontaneous outburst of students is the result of series of corrupt practices of the current non mandate govt. led by PM Sheikh Hasina of Awami League.

Quite recently students protest against the Quota policy of the Bangladesh Govt. which allowed only the individuals affiliated with Awami League get govt. jobs was brutally crushed by the Awami League and its affiliated Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), a pro-government student wing. The state forces used rubber bullets and tear gases on the protesting masses causing severe injuries. The fleeing students were caught and beaten up by alleged BCL activists armed with sticks and sharp weapons and wearing helmets. Anyone found taking video on mobile phones was assaulted.
The goons of BCL attacked the unarmed students and journalists. Reports coming out of Bangladesh also say of beating leading to students getting hospitalized. The Authoritarian Govt. is fully aware of the fact that if free and fair election happens in the near future as scheduled, they would lose and the only way to remain in power is by instilling fear in the masses.

After the mass students’ agitation ha started, the education ministry has closed high schools across the country and promised to take thier demans into account. The govertment has blocked mobile internet access for 24 hours in response to the protests.

We, SSUM extend our solidarity to the streets of Bangladesh and it’s fighting students shaking the authority to it’s last gasp. We also demand the responsible govt. to give Justice immediately to the student masses. SSUM supports the students’ agitation and ready to help all the time.

– (Bhushan Longjam)
Gen. Secretary,
Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur.