Central Alberta, July 21, 2024 — Members of Red Deer's Bangladeshi community braved the scorching heat to form a human chain along the city's busiest thoroughfare, commemorating those killed in the quota reform movement in Bangladesh. The demonstrators urgently called for a credible investigation and international intervention to address the worsening human rights situation in their homeland.
The community expressed profound sorrow and alarm over the recent violent crackdown on peaceful protesters demanding quota reforms in government jobs. Reports indicate that more than 100 students have tragically lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement agencies and government-aligned groups. The Bangladesh government's decision to cut off internet connections has exacerbated the situation, further isolating those in danger.
"As Bangladeshis living in Canada, we uphold the values of justice, equality, and democratic expression," said Mushfiqul Arifin, the group's spokesperson. We stand in solidarity with the students and citizens of Bangladesh who are peacefully demanding fair treatment and reform of the quota system." The community urged the Canadian government to take immediate action, including summoning the Bangladeshi ambassador to express Canada's deep concern over the escalating violence and loss of life and to support democratic values and the rights of peaceful protesters strongly.
The petition, handed over to Delwar Jahid, founding president of the Bangladesh Foundation of Human Rights and president of the Bangladesh North American Journalists Association, was signed by key community members, including Ashraf Alam, Mushfiqul Arifin, and agriculturist Moazzem Hossain. It calls on Bangladeshi authorities to respect human rights, ensure citizen safety, and restore internet connectivity to facilitate communication and access to information.
Canada has a longstanding commitment to human rights and democratic principles worldwide. The Bangladeshi community of Red Deer stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh during this critical time and urges Canadian officials to use their influence to uphold these values. Participants like Sarkar Arefin, Sanjida Karim, Kakali Akhtar, Hira Mia, Jannat, M. Islam, Karim, Moazzem Hossain, Mohammad Alam, Abrar Alam, Mehdi Hasan, Mohammad Tarek, and Robin Tana carried placards with various slogans.
In his brief address to the protesters, Delwar Jahid highlighted the recent ruling by the Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, which annulled the High Court's verdict on the quota system, mandating that 93% of recruitment be based on merit. However, he lamented the loss of over a hundred lives in the interim, calling it shocking and heartbreaking. Zahid emphasized the need for accountability, justice for those responsible, and removing all obstacles to freedom of expression and the free flow of information.
