Free public life from suffering

The blockade of the capital by students demanding the merger of seven government colleges has inflicted immense suffering on public life. Office-goers, school students and even critically ill patients have been stranded on the roads for hours, enduring severe hardship. Videos circulating on social media reveal distressing scenes-people desperately rushing for medical treatment, others breaking down in fear of losing their jobs. Such scenes are unacceptable in any civilised state.
What makes the situation even more unfortunate is that if an ordinance to merge the seven colleges had been issued over the past 17 months, students would not have been forced onto the streets, nor would the capital have been brought to a standstill. Today, ordinary citizens are paying the price for administrative indecision and long delay.
There is little doubt that the students' demands carry legitimacy. However, holding public life hostage in the name of realising those demands cannot be a solution. It was the responsibility of the state to prevent this crisis through timely and effective decision-making. Only the swift issuance of an ordinance, the announcement of a clear roadmap and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders can help resolve this deadlock.
Public life must be free from suffering-this is the collective expectation of people from all walks of life.
Khan Yamin
Faridpur
mdyamin.khan1983@gmail.com