History rewritten by students, yet questions remain

Zarin Zeba Khan | Published: August 10, 2024 21:41:50

Dear citizen, a letter full of questions! I don't have the answers, but I am writing to hear your voice.
I am writing this letter because I am a citizen of Bangladesh, and I want to know if there is anyone out there asking the same questions as I am. These are times of uncertainty, and yet, I find myself hoping for the best. Within two weeks, I witnessed a whirlwind of change -- the nation united, standing together regardless of social class, gender, or religious background. But, will this unity last until we rebuild our nation? Will history remember to mention the contributions of women -- mothers, daughters, and girls -- to the movement? We have seen our "Royal Bengal tiger girls" speaking their minds fearlessly. The fight was for a state where we could talk freely, and live freely, without harming others. Generation Z wrote a new chapter on possibility.
But after this long struggle, what now?
How long do I have to be scared? Knowledge is power, and youth and students are in the driver's seat -- let's see if they can be the game changers.
But first, let's take a moment to reflect on what has happened. Yes, it's important to discuss the events that have transpired. But isn't it equally important to identify what we want in this new nation? What do the youth and students of Bangladesh want? What kind of future are we striving for? First time, in Bangladesh, the teachers and students are standing next to each other and leading the country. And behind the army uniform and the police uniform are individuals who were once students like us, working hard to come this far. Today, will our police and army force rebuild the nation and keep us safe?
My questions remain for the citizens of Bangladesh, which include Generation Z, Generation Alpha, and the youth of our country. Are you aware of what happens when a government falls overnight? Is it time to revisit the real history of Bangladesh? Is it time to educate our children on honesty, integrity, and a non-violent approach to reform the nation? Will my country move toward a progressive mindset? What kind of citizens do we want to become? How long will it take us to become civilised and not destroy national property? We won the battle because we protested without taking the law into our hands. Then why is my country burning in fire? I have so many questions that remain in my mind. If we can spot students from videos and find them, why can't we spot the people who are terrorising houses and streets?
Where is the gender and social inclusion when forming different committees? Were women, girls, and daughters on the streets so that our voices could again be ignored? Bangladesh is a youthful country with 220 million people, and almost half of them are women. Can't we create youth leaders? Will there be new leadership and young, honest leaders? What type of society do we want? What type of leaders do we want? Will Bangladesh remain a secular nation where girls and minorities feel safe? Can we all call it home?
Will my country talk about educational reform? Can we expect creative leadership? Will integrity, honesty, equality, acceptance, tolerance, patience, and non-violence become the new culture of Bangladesh? Should I be worried about tomorrow's leaders? Can I take an Uber home late at night without fear? Should I consider myself lucky that we got a second chance to rebuild and reform our policies for human development?
After 53 years, can I expect creative leadership by the young and the experienced and a truly secular nation where all are respected and accepted? How long do we have to wait for healthcare reform? How long do I have to wait for safe streets?
Dear citizen, I am speaking to you directly because I know you share these concerns. We have seen the potential for unity in our darkest hours. We have witnessed the strength of our youth and the unyielding spirit of our women. Now, we need to channel that energy and vision into building a better future.
It's time to ask ourselves. Can we strive for a Bangladesh where everyone feels safe and valued, regardless of their gender, religion, or social status? We've witnessed the power of collective action and the devastation of violence and division. Now, more than ever, we need to come together with a clear vision for the future.
Safety is another crucial aspect. Everyone should feel safe walking the streets of Bangladesh, day or night regardless of their gender. We need to build trust between the police and the community, ensuring that law enforcement is seen as a partner in safety, not a source of fear.
And let's not forget the importance of social and gender inclusion. Our women and girls have shown incredible courage and leadership. It's time for our society to fully recognise and support their contributions. This means creating opportunities for women in leadership, ensuring equal rights and protections, and fostering a culture of respect and equality.
Finally, let's cultivate a culture of non-violence and love. Our nation's philosophy should be one of peace and compassion. We can rebuild Bangladesh with these values at the core, creating a society where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding, not violence.
Dear citizen, we have the chance to shape our future. The youth and students of Bangladesh are ready to lead the way. Let us support them, empower them, and work together to create the Bangladesh we all dream of -- a nation of integrity, equality, and love. Together, we can be the change we wish to see.
I look forward to waking up in a new world where the youth of Bangladesh are in the driving seat.
Sincerely,
A concerned and hopeful citizen
Zarin Zeba Khan
Zarin Zeba Khan is a gender equality and mental wellness advocate with more than 14 years of experience in Bangladesh's development sector with experience of working at the High Commission of Canada and UN Women,
zarinzebakhan@gmail.com