The increasing turmoil in Bangladesh over the quota reform movement has taken a worrying turn. What began as a student-led campaign against discrimination has evolved into a much more frightening phenomenon. Currently, general students have lost control of the movement, and different political groups are leveraging the protest to destabilise the government. Hiding behind the innocent protests of the students, members of these political parties have been committing terrible vandalism, indiscriminately killing law enforcement members, and destroying countless national assets. In a tragic turn of events, at least 13 policemen of Enayetpur police station of Sirajganj were beaten to death by vested interests. Besides, a policeman was killed in the attack at Cumilla's Elliotganj Highway police station. 

The shift from an "anti-discrimination movement" to what is now being referred to as a "mass revolt" was not accidental. It is a planned approach by these vested groups to destabilize the government.  This rebranding is intended to gather more support and give the idea of a popular uprising. However, under the façade of student demonstrations, the true architects are those with a history of terrorism and anti-state operations.

On August 3, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called upon the agitating students to meet with her at Gono Bhaban, the official residence of the PM, to end the violence surrounding the quota reform protests. She stated, “The doors of Gono Bhaban are open. I want to sit with the agitating students and listen to them. I want no conflict”. She also asked the authorities to release the detained general students. However, the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement rejected the Prime Minister’s call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Nahid Islam, one of the 157 conveners of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced an “all-out non-cooperation” movement starting August 4, 2024, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. The rejection of peaceful dialogue and the declaration of programmes to oust government reveal an agenda that aims to cripple the economy and incite chaos. This highlights a nefarious plot to destabilise the country under the guise of student agitation.

Pawns in a broader game

The demand for PM Sheikh Hasina's resignation is central to the demonstrations. However, there is a notable lack of proposals for plausible alternative leadership. This purposeful vagueness masks the true goal of these groups. The alleged 54 student protest planners are only pawns in a broader game planned by anti-Bangladesh groups. Their goal is not the benefit of the nation, but the achievement of their own political and ideological objectives.

Bangladesh has seen several assaults on its symbolic institutions of sovereignty. The latest surge of widespread violence and terrorist actions was expected when the Bangladesh government outlawed Jamaat-e-Islami and its student branch, Islami Chhatra Shibir, on August 1, 2024, classifying them as terrorist organisations under Section 18/1 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009. What is happening in Bangladesh is not a real student movement, but rather a cover for concerted effort by anti-national elements to destabilise the state.

Initially, despite disruptions to public life and damage to government property, the government remained patient and attempted to calm the unrest. The student organization associated with the ruling party also remained patient until provoked. However, as violent clashes broke out across the country, the government imposed a curfew for an indefinite period starting August 4 in all divisional cities, including Dhaka metropolitan city, city corporations, municipalities, industrial zones, districts, and upazila headquarters. The government had to resort to this measure to halt the unimaginable violence citizens have been experiencing over the past few days. One expects the politically neutral Bangladesh Army to carefully manage the situation to restore law and order, protect the state's resources, and protect the nation from criminal activities.

Media needs to play its role

In light of these developments, the media's position becomes important. Accurate and ethical reporting is vital for avoiding disinformation and keeping the public informed about the genuine nature of the unrest. By sheddling light on the participation of anti-state actors and their ulterior motives, the media may contribute to a better educated and watchful society. As Bangladesh navigates this volatile moment, the combined efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, and media are critical to the country's stability. 

Given the nature of these 'student' demonstrations, it is apparent that Bangladesh faces serious danger from a network of underground political activists and extremists aiming to destabilise the country. These issues are putting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership to the test, but Bangladesh has the backing of a watchful media, strong law enforcement agencies, and an educated populace to overcome this crisis. It is a moment for togetherness and perseverance, for the sake of the country's future democracy. At this crucial juncture, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh's patriotic people must take bold and unwavering action to protect the country's sovereignty and security. The time for tolerance is over; Bangladesh's existence as a peaceful and wealthy state hinges on a firm reaction to these premeditated acts of terrorism.

 (The author is a UK-based Bangladeshi researcher-writer. Views are personal. He can be contacted at mehjabinbhanu1579@gmail.com)