Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has faced backlash after being photographed weeping at a vandalised metro station amidst ongoing anti-government protests. At least 150 people have died in clashes between police and university students, who have been calling for the abolition of government job quotas. Critics have accused Ms Hasina of showing more concern for damaged infrastructure than for the lives lost.
During her visit to the shattered metro rail station in Mirpur, Ms Hasina was seen wiping her tears with tissue paper. She expressed disbelief over the destruction, saying, “What kind of mentality leads them to destroy facilities that make people’s lives easier?” Her remarks, reported by The Business Standard, sparked outrage online.
Social media users criticised her for not showing the same sympathy towards the deceased and their families. A Twitter user stated, “We lost [hundreds of] students. But PM Sheikh Hasina had the time to go ‘cry’ for a metro rail, not for the people who won’t return ever again.” Others echoed similar sentiments, accusing her of diverting attention from the deaths caused by the protests.
Journalist Zulkarnian Saer pointed out that while Ms Hasina visited the damaged station, she did not visit the families of the students who were shot dead during the protests. Some commenters suggested her visit was an attempt to garner attention and sympathy.
The government has been criticised for its handling of the unrest, with security forces accused of using excessive force. Ms Hasina, however, has blamed her political opponents for the violence, stating her government is working to “suppress these militants and create a better environment.”
The protests began over government job quotas, with about 30% reserved for relatives of those who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. The top court has since ruled that 93% of roles will now be filled on merit, meeting a key demand of the protesters. Despite this, student leaders continue to demand justice for the killed and detained protesters, seeking the resignation of government ministers and an apology from Ms Hasina.
Source ~ BBC
NNEOMA UDENSI
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