Why do I support the “shut down” program called by the Awami League?

Opinion

The history of the Bengali nation is a story of endless struggle. Every time the dark shadow of oppression has descended, every time the chains of misrule have been placed around our necks, we have taken to the streets, lit the fire of protest and refused to bow down to the oppressors by shutting down everything in support of the people. This is the spirit of resistance that is in our blood.

Today, the anarchy, economic collapse, political vendetta, and farce in the name of justice that is taking place under Dr. Yunus’ interim government has created the exact same context that made Bengalis rebel in the past.

I will stand in favor of the nationwide “shut down” called by the Awami League on November 16th and 17th, because this is not a party program—it is a reflection of the fundamental character of Bengalis against injustice.

Historical context of the Bengali protest character

The history of Bengali resistance began with the 1952 language movement, which culminated in the six-point mass uprising of 1969. Students and the masses took to the streets against the oppression, economic discrimination, and political repression of the Pakistani ruling class. The withdrawal of the Agartala conspiracy case, the fall of Ayub Khan—all of these were the results of the people’s shutdown-like non-cooperation.

Then, responding to the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1971, the entire Bangladesh was brought to a standstill under the leadership of Bangabandhu, paving the way for Bengali independence. People joined the protest by closing shops, stopping vehicles, and staying at home. This was the ultimate form of resistance to the oppressed.

The same scenario was seen in the anti-dictatorship movement of 1990. Students, workers, and political parties took to the streets to protest Ershad’s misrule, corruption, and political killings. The people responded spontaneously by shutting down everything and showing their support, which resulted in the downfall of the dictator.

The recent Safe Roads Movement of 2018 and the Quota Reform Movement of 2024 are another example of students taking to the streets over some grievances. At the root of all these movements was a common thread – unwavering resistance against misrule, oppression, and economic-political injustice.

The same injustice, lawlessness, and misrule are being repeated under the interim government. Today’s situation is a repetition of that historical context. Since Dr. Yunus’ interim government came to power, the economy has been in ruins: inflation has skyrocketed, unemployment has increased, reserves have dwindled, and business and commerce have come to a standstill.

Added to this is political vendetta. The conspiracy to ban the Awami League, the killing of thousands of leaders and activists, mob lynchings, arrests, and the farcical kangaroo court all seem to be following Ayub Khan’s path.

A conspiracy is underway to neutralize the party by giving a predetermined sentence to Sheikh Hasina, the world’s longest-serving female head of state for 21 years, through controversial judges and biased lawyers. The announcement of the International Criminal Tribunal’s verdict (November 16-17) is part of this. This is not justice, but a tool to kill political opponents.

Innocent people are being killed in mob lynching, abductions in the name of arrest, revenge in the name of justice. This tension is like the repression of 1969, the dictatorship of 1990.

The success of the November 13 “Dhaka Lockdown” has shown that the people are still protesting. Now is the time to stand up against this misrule by bringing the entire country to a standstill.

Why stand for a “shut down”?

I will stand for the Awami League’s “shut down” because it reflects the fundamental character of Bengalis to rise above party interests and fight against injustice. Any injustice—be it economic collapse, political assassination, or a travesty of justice—cannot be accepted without protest and resistance. It is written in our DNA.

By staying home, closing shops, and blocking the roads, we will say: “No more!”

This is not violence, but a powerful weapon of nonviolent resistance, which has brought dictators to their knees in the past.

Bengalis have never accepted oppression. They will not accept it even today. By participating in the “shut down” on November 16-17, we will prove that the rebellious Bengali nation, the indomitable Bengali nation, whom even Alexander the Great could not conquer.

This is not the Awami League’s fight alone—it is the fight of every oppressed Bengali.

Victory to the resistance, victory to the Bengalis!

-Mrinmoy Sen