In a recent interview with Manabzamin, freedom fighter and veteran politician Bangabir Kader Siddiqui expressed his views on the ongoing student movement in Bangladesh. According to Siddiqui, the students’ demand for quota reform in government jobs is entirely justified and has proven that students and youths, although they may appear dormant, never truly perish.
Kader Siddiqui remarked, “I had thought that the students and youths of this country were dead. This movement has shown that they are not. They may be subdued, but they are never truly gone. A nation and its people cannot survive without the selfless students.” He further emphasized that during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, no lives should have been lost, whether 200 or even two.
Highlighting the severity of losing even a single life, Siddiqui stated, “Half or even the entire country can be rebuilt, but no one can bring a dead person back to life. Therefore, the loss of one life is far greater than the destruction of a country.”
Kader Siddiqui criticized the government’s response to the student movement, suggesting that the authorities should have addressed the students’ demands from the outset and engaged in dialogue. He reflected on his own days as a member of the Chhatra League, noting that the trust and love people had for students then are now almost nonexistent.
Regarding being labeled a ‘Rajakar’ (collaborator) by the Prime Minister, Siddiqui said it was a misstep. He noted that if Sheikh Hasina had apologized the next day, the movement would not have gained as much momentum.
On the government’s claim that students and citizens were killed by violence and not police bullets, Siddiqui dismissed these assertions, stating that many were killed in their homes by police gunfire. He urged the government to have the courage to speak the truth.
He also criticized the involvement of the Chhatra League in suppressing the movement, calling it a grievous crime. He suggested that the Chhatra League should have supported and strengthened the movement instead of opposing it.
Addressing the detention of six student coordinators by the Detective Branch (DB) for their safety, Siddiqui questioned the legality of such actions and stated that it was the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Deputy Commissioner of the DB, to ensure their safety.
Kader Siddiqui reiterated the need for a fair and just quota system, emphasizing that although many disadvantaged people deserve quotas, it should be reasonable and based on merit.
Reflecting on historical events, Siddiqui recalled the role of Ayub Khan and his favored Monem Khan, who attempted to suppress student movements. He drew parallels to the current situation, indicating that the students’ collective strength can overcome any oppressive force.
In the end, Siddiqui stressed the importance of the government listening to the people and resolving the issue through dialogue. He warned against excessive suppression and urged the government to act sensibly and acknowledge the students’ demands.
