Fariha Tasnim Amir | Staff Writer
With the ongoing quota protest in Bangladesh taking a violent turn, international students here on campus are expressing their concerns over the chaotic situation.
The students of Bangladesh have been subjected to deadly clashes with the country’s government organizations since they started protesting against the top court’s ruling for more than half of the country’s lucrative government jobs being reserved for certain groups. The government’s reckless tactics to repress the movement has claimed the lives of over 900 people in less than 10 days.
The homeland’s unstable state has left FIU’s 600 Bangladeshi students distraught and distracted with no end in sight.
PantherNOW collected responses from Bangladeshi students at FIU. From the spontaneous and quick participation of over 50 students here on campus, it’s evident that the ongoing crisis back home has all of them deeply troubled.
Most especially, with the recent shoot-on-sight curfew and ongoing government imposed internet blackout for over 80 hours now, students are unable to confirm the safety of their families back home.
“Students are now being treated worse than any other incident that happened both before & after the war of 1971., The general students are being attacked by both the goons of the ruling party’s student body and the police. Innocent teens have lost their lives and the bloodbath continues,” said PhD student Asif Mahbub.
“Though I’m far away, the events occurring have a striking impact on me and my mental health. The photos and videos of violence are causing mental stress and I am concerned for the victims. It’s evoking my helplessness, fear, or anger,” said PhD student Sarwar J. Minar when asked how the situation back home is impacting him.
Minar’s not the only one whose loved ones’ safety is being compromised amidst this bloody unrest.
MBA student Islam Ashraful shared, “Among the victims is the son of one of my former teachers, whose heartbreaking call for justice has resonated with many”. His own father is at risk because of the current vexing situation too. “I fear for my father’s safety, who commutes daily from Dhaka to Gazipur for work. It’s overwhelming”.
“I’m emotionally and mentally distressed, my study, normal activities are being hampered,” said Sohely Jahan, a PhD student.
“Anxious, concerned, distracted” is how another Bangladeshi PhD student Salman Jamal described his current mental state to be.
“Frustration over the lack of communication,” said Rashed Nibir, an undergraduate student when asked about his feelings about the internet blackout in his home country.
“The government’s cutting off of internet connections prevents me from communicating with my family or staying updated, which is incredibly distressing,” Fatama Huda, a PhD student voiced.
The general atmosphere of uncertainty and reports of violence intensifies my anxiety. Seeing images of young children who have died and their grieving parents is emotionally devastating and has deeply impacted my mental well-being, making it difficult for me to sleep and concentrate on my studies,” Huda explained further.
“It is disheartening to see young voices being suppressed through violence and intimidation,” PhD student Md Al Adib Sarker shared.
“The things happening in Bangladesh are totally diabolical, against democracy and all laws of humanity. Shooting unarmed people, let alone students, is the worst crime that I can think of for the leader of a country,” Sharika Marjan, a PhD student shared.
“They’re being treated brutally, I’m anxious for the future,” Khandaker Mamun Ahmed, another PhD student at FIU voiced his concern. “The Terrorist wing of [the] Bangladesh government is killing innocent students. I am concerned about the students on the road, their family, their safety, agony, political unrest and economic impact.”
“Disgusting, brutal and extremely unfair,” undergraduate student Ramisa summed up the barbaric treatment of the students in her home country.
On the question about how the protesting students are being treated in Bangladesh, PhD student Sohely Jahan said it’s “simply inhumane. I’m emotionally and mentally broken for the students being killed in Bangladesh.”
“I am deeply troubled by the reports of students from my university suffering violence at the hands of police and government forces in Bangladesh. The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is unacceptable in any democratic society.”
PhD student Sadik’s remarks shed light on the government’s reckless actions, “It’s essential for governments to respect the rights of citizens, including the right to peaceful protest. At least 39 students have been killed and thousands injured as I write this. Two of the murdered were high school students. If this so-called government does not practice autocracy, then who does?”
Another, PhD student Fatama Huda’s answer reveals the heartbreaking reality of the situation in Bangladesh as well as the constant human rights violation that’s taking place there. “Police and security forces have used rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades against unarmed student protesters.” She added, “Students, some under 18, are facing life-threatening violence for advocating for fairer government job recruitment practices.”
“I am feeling mentally distressed. They are killing my brothers, sisters, and friends, and I can’t bear it anymore,” says Adil Arman, a current PhD student.
PhD student Abrar Mahir shared something similar, “The government shut down the internet and cellular networks, worsening the situation. Currently, I am unable to contact my family members, which heightens my fear. My heart is always there in my homeland.”
“My brothers are dying, and I want justice”, he said.
All the frustrated Bengalis away from their homeland agree. Even though they’re here physically, their minds are stuck with their people, fighting for their rights, standing up to injustice.
“I wish I could do something for my brothers and sisters. I feel helpless. They need help,” undergraduate student Lamiya expressed her deep sadness over being unable to help her motherland. “Currently the social media algorithms in Bangladesh have been altered, leading to a lack of global recognition of this devastating issue. I feel helpless”, another undergrad student Iftakher Mahib shared. “FIU showing strong support for the Bangladeshi students will attract more eyes”, Sohely Jahan proposed a way to help her country during such a time of crisis as a FIU student.
As all of Bangladesh is now forcefully disconnected from the rest of the world, global assistance is more crucial than ever in order to put a stop to this injustice against students.
“Public support from esteemed institutions can also highlight the importance of protecting the rights to free speech and peaceful protest, reinforcing these fundamental principles on an international stage.” Multiple students voiced similar ideas such as this.
All Bangladeshis in FIU are requesting the university to stand in solidarity with Bangladeshi students.
The students who participated in providing data expressed that they believe if FIU showed support to Bangladeshi students, it’d have an “incredibly positive impact.”
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