Dr. Ajoy Ray, Academic : Road transport minister should come to an understanding with the students protesting for road safety. The government has accepted the protesting students’ demands, calling them logical. It has also given its word that these demands will be implemented; therefore the government should keep its word. It is particularly  important for the road transport minister to ensure safe roads for the public, especially considering the chaotic situation of Dhaka traffic.

Any and all injustice should definitely be protested against. If there is any ineptitude in the government’s policy, it is the right of the people to protest for their fair and just privilege. But in their protest, students must not become savage and uncivilized; they must remain civil. The government should also make sure that security forces do not attack the protestors.

The spirit of protesting against injustice in liberal Bangladesh has grown weak. The left-wing parties, in spite of being small, can stand beside the people and protest against these injustices. This will raise awareness. But they are very weak; they have no decision-making power, and I believe the government has been taking advantage of this.

Based on an interview by Ashiq Rahman, translated by Abrar Hussain