In response to the escalating violence and oppression perpetrated by the autocratic government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, an online campaign has been launched urging expatriate Bangladeshis to stop sending remittances to their homeland. The campaign highlights the use of state forces and party goons to kill and torture innocent protesters, calling for immediate action to demand justice and bring an end to the government’s reign of terror.
The Campaign’s Call to Action
The campaign, spearheaded by expatriate communities worldwide, outlines remittances’ critical role in sustaining the current regime. It emphasizes that halting these financial transfers can be a powerful tool to weaken the government’s economic stability and diminish its capacity to fund oppressive measures.
Key Points of the Campaign
1. Impact of Remittances:
The campaign explains how remittances sent from abroad are converted into dollars, which the government uses to fund various activities, including the purchase of arms and ammunition used against protesters. By stopping remittances, expatriates can significantly impact the government’s ability to maintain its oppressive tactics.
2. Funding Oppression:
Remittance dollars are used to buy fuel, quick-rental electricity, and even the bullets, guns, and tear gas used against civilians. The campaign argues that expatriates’ hard-earned money is indirectly funding the suppression and murder of innocent people.
3. Economic Dependency:
Bangladesh’s economy relies heavily on remittances to bridge the gap between import and export expenses. The campaign highlights that without these dollars, the government will struggle to import essential goods, pay foreign debts, and sustain its corrupt practices.
4. Alternative Solutions:
The campaign advises expatriates on alternative ways to support their families without going through official channels, although it cautions against openly discussing illegal methods like hundi. It encourages families to cut unnecessary expenses and seek interest-free loans for urgent needs.
Expected Outcomes
The campaign foresees several potential outcomes if remittances are halted:
- Government Paralysis: Without remittance dollars, government imports will stop, causing a “complete shutdown” of essential services.
- Cease of Oppression Funding: The supply of arms and ammunition to state forces will cease, reducing their capacity to oppress civilians.
- Economic Strain: Business magnates and bureaucrats who rely on remittance dollars for their operations will face significant challenges, potentially turning against the government.
- Public Uprising: With reduced financial support, the loyalty of the army, police, and business community towards the government may wane, leading to a broader public uprising.
Addressing Concerns
To address concerns about the safety and repercussions of stopping remittances, the campaign reassures expatriates that their financial decisions are their freedom. It suggests expatriates provide plausible explanations if questioned about their remittance activities, such as supporting distressed Bangladeshis abroad or donating to humanitarian causes like those in Gaza.
Conclusion
The online campaign represents a collective effort by expatriate Bangladeshis to leverage their economic power to demand justice and end the autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina. By halting remittances, the campaign aims to weaken the government’s financial base, halt the flow of resources used for oppression, and ultimately bring about a democratic and just society in Bangladesh.
