Amid crippling street protests, we must prioritise citizens’ well-being
At a time when chaos and uncertainty are gripping the nation—thanks to wave after wave of protests, ever-widening political divides, and, to cap it all off, striking reports of a potential resignation by a "frustrated" Dr Yunus—it may be tempting to dismiss their cumulative effects on citizens as mere trivia in the bigger scheme of things. But this is precisely where we must turn our attention, for ultimately, it is the only thing that truly matters. It is also the only reality that is clear amid the thickening smog of confusion that envelops us. True, we need to find a way to ensure that the aspirations of a new Bangladesh are preserved at all costs. But treating citizens' daily well-being as collateral damage in the pursuit of that future would not only be short-sighted, but also counterproductive.
This is what comes to mind after seeing Dhaka residents suffer through yet another agonising day on Thursday. From morning till late afternoon, large parts of the city including Shahbagh, Kakrail, Matsya Bhaban, Purana Paltan, Gulistan, Motijheel, Jatrabari, and other connected streets were choked with traffic, bringing life to a near standstill. This was largely due to various protests and political demonstrations, including by groups affiliated with BNP. The problem was further compounded by poor traffic management, waterlogging from scattered bouts of rainfall, dug-up roads left unrepaired by utility agencies, VIP movements, etc. As traffic stood still for hours, thousands were forced to walk through sludge-filled roads and broken pavements. Some, while talking to this daily, described the situation as a "trap," with no way forward, backward, or out.
In recent days, the frequency of such protest-induced blockades at peak hours has left commuters quite exasperated, especially as rain and summer heat coalesced to increase their sufferings. The sufferings of the elderly and women, particularly those travelling alone or with children, have been even more severe. This situation can no longer be justified by paying homage to the right to protest, which, while an inalienable democratic right, cannot be allowed to infringe on the rights of so many others: the right to freedom of movement, right to access healthcare, right to work and livelihood, right to public safety, right to education, etc. Any protest, therefore, must be exercised responsibly, without turning citizens into hostages of political agendas and group interests.
After about nine months of living in such a charged atmosphere, the question is no longer how we in Dhaka got here, but how much longer this can continue. Clearly, citizens have had enough of such disruptions. They need a break from the continued street chaos. We urge the government, political parties, and all other stakeholders of the July uprising to urgently collaborate to ensure that basic civic life is not held hostage by the unchecked protest politics.
