On August 4, 2024, members of the Bay of Plenty Bangladeshi community and their supporters gathered at the intersection of 15th Avenue and Cameron Road in Tauranga to protest the escalating violence and human rights violations occurring in Bangladesh. The demonstration aimed to raise awareness about the dire situation in their home country and to call for justice, democracy, and the protection of innocent lives.
Community leader Kamal Hossain expressed deep concern over the reports of violence perpetrated by police and government forces against civilians, particularly students. He highlighted that communication with family and friends in Bangladesh has been severely disrupted due to the shutdown of social media platforms, internet services, and phone lines. This information blackout has left many in the diaspora anxious and fearful for the safety of their loved ones.
The unrest in Bangladesh was triggered by a Supreme Court ruling that allocated 56% of civil service jobs to descendants of veterans from the 1971 War of Independence. Critics argue that this quota system disproportionately favors the political elite and marginalizes other qualified candidates. The ruling sparked widespread student-led protests, which have been met with a heavy-handed response from authorities. According to reports, at least 114 people have been killed during the demonstrations, with some sources suggesting the death toll could be as high as 500.
Protesters in Tauranga emphasized the lack of democracy and freedom of expression in Bangladesh. They condemned the government’s actions, stating that peaceful protesters are being met with lethal force, and that the media is being censored to suppress dissenting voices. The community called on the international community to take notice of the situation and to pressure the Bangladeshi government to cease the violence and uphold human rights.
This protest marked the third consecutive week that the Bay of Plenty Bangladeshi community has organized demonstrations to draw attention to the crisis in their homeland. Participants included individuals like Shaikh Imran, Sojib Ahmed, and Rabeya Sultana, who stood in solidarity with those affected by the turmoil in Bangladesh.
The community’s efforts reflect a broader concern among the Bangladeshi diaspora about the state of democracy and human rights in their country of origin. By voicing their concerns publicly, they hope to shed light on the situation and advocate for meaningful change.
Reference: SunLive – BOP community protest about violence in Bangladesh