In July 2024, the streets of Bangladesh were filled with the voices of young people instead of the usual business activities. As a teacher, seeing my students – who are like my own children – protesting has touched me deeply. This is a time for teachers to think carefully about our roles as guides and protectors of the next generation.
From mid-July to early August, I faced one of the most tumultuous periods in my life, both personally and professionally. The decision to join my students in protest was heavily influenced by the disturbing events of past protests in 2018 and my family’s concerns. However, witnessing the bravery of these young souls and the increasing severity of attacks on students, including tragic incidents at BRAC University, compelled many of us to act. The deciding moment came when my six-year-old daughter asked me if I knew about the student protest, she must have picked it up from the news and then from all the discussion we were having in our house. Then, she asked what I was going to do about it because to her understanding, she was also a student and all students’ lives were in danger everywhere. As her father she expected me to respond. I told her I would do whatever I could to protect her and to ensure these attacks stopped. Her innocent question made it clear that I could not remain on the sidelines.
The emotional toll has been significant. My sleep has since been erratic, and I find myself on edge, easily triggered by the smallest reminders of those chaotic days. To cope, I’ve turned to music, writing, journalling, and brief meditation sessions, which help bring a sense of normalcy back into my life. This personal struggle shows that my colleagues are also facing mental health challenges as we go through these tough times.
The protests have deeply affected our students as well. They have confronted harsh realities that could forever change their outlook on life. As educators, it’s our duty to help them process and grow from this experience.
The need for strong support systems and open communication within our institutions has never been more critical. We must be ready to listen, support, and guide our students through these dark times.
Despite these challenges, the bond between students and educators has strengthened. The students are understandably anxious and stressed, but their frustration is directed towards those in positions of authority who ignored their plight during the protest days, except a handful of people who chose to pursue personal gains, rather than priotising and siding with the truth. This call for accountability is a lesson we should all pay attention to.
These weeks have taught us several important lessons. The first is that actions have consequences, and accountability is inevitable. The protests have shown the power of unity and collective voice in combating corruption and injustice. Even the most ordinary individuals can achieve great things when united under a common cause. These events highlight the urgent need for systemic reform – a shift towards transparency, accountability, and open dialogue in all sectors of our society.
As we look forward, our path is clear. We must create an educational environment that prioritises truth and justice. We need to nurture a generation that understands its rights and is ready to defend them. The future of our nation depends on our ability to implement these lessons, ensuring the sacrifices made by our students lead to lasting change.
The road ahead is filled with challenges, but it is also paved with the resilience and patriotism of our youth. As educators, our duty is to support and guide them, helping to heal the wounds of today while preparing them for tomorrow’s leadership. By doing so, we honour their struggles and contribute to a brighter, more just future for Bangladesh.
Quazi Tafsirul Islam is the Coordinator of NSU Startups Next & Senior Lecturer at North South University. He is an avid SDG Advocate and an internationally certified trainer, researcher, and consultant with a decade of experience in banking, academia, sustainability and behavioural research.
Photograph: Courtesy of Quazi Tafsirul Islam
