By Nafew Sajed Joy

It’s been over 110 days since the interim government took charge, and the streets of Bangladesh have been anything but quiet. The air is thick with demands—some shouted, others chanted, all pleading for attention. With each passing day, people rise up, making their voices heard in a collective cry for change. But as we witness these protests, we must ask ourselves: are all these demands truly justified, or are we on the edge of something deeper, more complex?

As a nation, we’ve always had a strong tradition of protest—it's embedded in our DNA. From fighting for independence to struggling for democracy, protests have shaped our identity. And as we reflect on the past few months, from August to November 2024, we can see how people from all walks of life are continuing to fight for a better future. But as the demands intensify, we must ask: which ones are worth fighting for, and which might just be a fleeting moment of frustration?

August 6–12, 2024: A Call for Justice and Change

The protests began with a call for political reform. The Left parties united, pushing for an interim government through dialogue with democratic forces. At the same time, the Anti-Discrimination Independent Lawyers' Association demanded the withdrawal of cases related to quota reforms, and in Dhaka, the Dhaka University Students' Union (DUSU) raised their voices for governance reforms—especially the restoration of student elections.

Elsewhere, the Humanity Foundation condemned the rising communal violence, while in Narayanganj, the Cultural Alliance held a candlelight vigil to demand justice for Taqi’s unresolved murder. In every protest, from the university campuses to the streets, the call for justice was loud and clear.

August 13–19, 2024: Standing Up for Nature and Fair Governance

This week underscored the fight to preserve our environment and hold our leaders accountable. In Tahirpur, students stood against the illegal sand mining in the Jadukata River, while activists from Jahangirnagar University rallied against construction projects threatening lakes and reservoirs. The workers at the National Board of Revenue called for leadership reforms to combat corruption that has plagued their institutions.

On August 16, Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim from Islami Andolan Bangladesh demanded proportional representation in national elections, calling for a system that would give all voices an equal place at the table.

August 20–31, 2024: Economic Inequalities Spark Labor Rights Movements

The demand for labor rights grew louder as garment workers and industrial laborers across the country took to the streets. On August 24, SUJAN organized a human chain to advocate for democratic and non-communal state reforms. On Anti-Disappearance Day (August 30), families of missing persons marched, demanding justice and an end to extrajudicial killings. Meanwhile, traders and industrialists raised concerns over rampant corruption within governance institutions, calling for urgent reforms within the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board.

September 2024: Labor, Environmental, and Social Movements Intensify

September was a month of convergence. Labor, environmental, and social movements came together to push for change. In Ashulia, 219 garment factories were shut down by workers demanding better wages and working conditions. Environmental organizations like BAPA and BELA raised their voices to preserve rivers and put an end to harmful sand mining in the Meghna River. Students, too, marched in protest, demanding better living conditions, with Dhaka University activists pushing for a fully residential campus.

Social justice movements, including former BDR members in Barisal demanding reinstatement and farmers in Badarganj calling for the reopening of the Shyampur sugar mill, also gathered strength. Religious organizations, such as the Bangladesh Buddhist Society Protection Committee, echoed concerns about rising communal violence.

October 2024: Public Outcry Over Governance and Rights

October was a month marked by anger and demands for systemic change. On October 2, labor organizations, including the Garment Sramik Front, demanded justice for workers following the killing of four hillmen in Khagrachhari. Their protests were fueled by the delayed implementation of a tripartite agreement and the poor conditions that continue to define many workplaces.

Meanwhile, protests from athletes calling for fair compensation for their participation in national events highlighted the struggles of those who dedicate their lives to sports yet remain financially underappreciated. On October 17, Palli Bidyut workers went on strike, demanding better conditions as their department merged with the Rural Electrification Board.

Across Dhaka, Barisal, Sylhet, and Rajshahi, students continued their protests over admission fees, university reforms, and the growing inequality in the education system. Meanwhile, concerns over road mismanagement, environmental destruction, and market reforms continued to take center stage.

November 2024: A Nation’s Climax of Dissent

November 2024 saw a surge in protests, reflecting growing frustration and anger. From economic hardship to demands for justice, the streets were filled with voices calling for change. The protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations, escalated in intensity, marking a turning point in how public dissent is expressed in Bangladesh. What started as a cry for justice is now a broader call for reform across the nation.

Farmers’ Struggles (November 4)

On November 4, farmers in Thakurgaon took to the streets, demanding fair prices for Aman rice and the establishment of government-run purchasing centers to prevent exploitation by middlemen. Their protest reflected the hardship of rural communities that struggle daily to make a fair living. It was a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the backbone of our agricultural economy.

Student Protests (November 17-20)

Soon after, on November 17, students from Residential Model School and College protested against the lottery-based admission system, calling for a merit-based approach to ensure equal opportunities for all. Meanwhile, Titumir College students launched a hunger strike on November 18, demanding the upgrade of their college to a university. By November 20, their hunger strike became a poignant display of their resolve, symbolizing the collective yearning for a better future in education.

Battery-Operated Rickshaw Protests (November 20-24)

On November 20, protests erupted in Dhaka after the High Court ruled to impose restrictions on battery-operated auto-rickshaws due to safety concerns. Many of these drivers, who depend on their rickshaws to support their families, took to the streets, blocking major roads to demand their right to work. Tragedy struck on November 19 when a student, Afsana Karim (Rachi), was killed in a collision with a battery-powered rickshaw, intensifying the protests. The drivers, who had already been marginalized, pushed for licenses from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), a demand that reflected their desperate need for official recognition and support.

Worker Protests in Gazipur (November 24-25)

In Gazipur, workers in the Chakrabarti area blocked the Chandra-Nabinagar Highway for seven consecutive days, demanding overdue wages. When the promised payments didn’t arrive, the blockade resumed. This act of defiance was another reflection of the rising frustration with delayed payments and poor working conditions in the industrial sector. These workers weren’t just demanding their dues—they were demanding dignity and respect for their labor.

Religious and Political Protests (November 25-26)

On the night of November 25, followers of the Sanatan religion staged a sit-in at Shahbagh, demanding the release of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das. The protests, held simultaneously in other parts of the country, reflected the widening gap between religious communities and the government, highlighting the increasing political and social unrest.

The Chattogram Conflict (November 26)

November 26 saw a tragic escalation in Chattogram when a clash between law enforcement, lawyers, and followers of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari led to the death of lawyer Saiful Islam. This incident sparked widespread protests across the city, as lawyers declared a work stoppage, demanding justice for Saiful Islam. Students from Jahangirnagar University and Dhaka College joined in solidarity, calling for a fair trial. The demand for justice transcended professions and ideologies, uniting people across the nation.

Garment Worker Protests (November 27)

As the protests continued, garment workers from Leni Fashions and Leni Apparels joined the movement, demanding overdue wages. Their plight reflected the broader issues of labor rights that persist in Bangladesh’s garment industry. The ongoing struggles of these workers are a reminder that economic disparity remains a central issue in the fight for justice.

Analysis of the Escalating Protests

Looking back at the protests in November, one thing stands out: what began as peaceful calls for justice and reform is now becoming more intense and, at times, violent. This shift isn’t just about clashes with the authorities; it’s a reflection of the deep frustration that’s been growing in the hearts of people, frustration that stretches far beyond just the government. It’s a dissatisfaction with the system itself—one that feels out of touch with the struggles of ordinary citizens.

The streets have become a canvas for people to express years of pent-up anger, and the tension is palpable. What started as a simple desire for change has spiraled into something much bigger—an urgent cry for recognition, for dignity, for fairness. The frustration isn’t something that can be ignored or pushed aside any longer. It’s like a storm that’s been gathering strength, and unless we take a step back and truly listen, it’s only going to get worse.

As these protests escalate, it’s a reminder that behind each act of defiance is a person—someone who feels unheard, someone who believes their only option is to take to the streets to demand the respect and rights they deserve. And as much as the situation feels like it’s spinning out of control, there’s a real opportunity here for change, if we choose to address these issues before they spiral even further.

Calls for Justice and Internet Access Reform (November 27-28)

On November 27, protests not only called for justice for Saiful Islam’s death but also demanded the government recognize the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as a terrorist organization. The deepening unrest also brought forward a call for digital rights reform. Experts pointed out that many areas in Bangladesh still lack reliable internet access, and with frequent data breaches, citizens are left vulnerable. It is clear that in the digital age, access to the internet is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As discussed in a seminar at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, it’s time to amend Article 43(b) of the Constitution to recognize internet access as a fundamental right.

Ongoing Court Boycott in Chattogram (November 28)

Court activities in Chattogram remained suspended for the second consecutive day, as various organizations held human chains in protest of the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam. The situation in Chattogram, and across the country, remains tense, with no resolution in sight. The ghost of demand has possessed us. Everyone wants it, wants it now, wants it today.

Every day, people in Bangladesh are taking to the streets, raising demands that cannot be ignored. The cries for justice, for a better future, and for equal opportunity are louder than ever. As protests intensify, it’s clear that the frustration among the people is growing—and it won’t stop until their voices are heard.

As much as the streets may shout, there are quieter demands within our hearts. My own demands are simple yet vital: I call for the upliftment of marginalized farmers, the strengthening of our agricultural sector, and a society where the middle class can live with dignity. I demand a Bangladesh where tea workers receive all the rights and benefits they deserve, and where research and education flourish. It is time to put aside personal interests for the greater good, to rebuild a prosperous and just nation. Let us unite in this common demand: the reconstruction of a beautiful Bangladesh.

The writer is a, Graduate and Postgraduate in Printing and Publication Studies, University of Dhaka