Red July: A Message for Students from Concerned Teachers at BRAC University, Bangladesh
Dear students,
July 2024 has been a frightful month in the history of Bangladesh. A few of us, individuals, who also happen to be your teachers from BRAC University wanted to send a message of solidarity and our love to you. This is not an official letter endorsed by the administration, university, or departments but emotions stemming from our individual conscience. We wanted you to know that we are here with you – thinking of you, praying for you, and here to support you in any capacity possible. We are angry, sad, grieving and we salute your courage and resilience in the face of repression and violence.
We are enraged, heartbroken, and stunned at the Massacre that happened in July 2024 over the general public and the students of Bangladesh. On 18 July 2024, in particular, police opened fire on a peaceful student protest at BRAC University, the assault included rubber bullets, live rounds, and tear shells shot into the campus from its main entrance. As the scale of violence continues to escalate into August and the campus continues to be occupied by the police, it is becoming difficult to gather near campus. Nonetheless, we wanted to get our voices to you. A number of us joined together online to protest the violence and injustice faced by our students at BRAC University. We condemn the random raids on students and the continued harassment and frisking of students and young people in different localities across the country. We are worried about our students and we are enraged at the violence, deaths, and unlawful arrests happening around us. We are deeply concerned about the physical safety and mental health of the next generation of future leaders in Bangladesh.
As educators, we know that learning happens best in a space where there is a sense of safety. As educators, we also know that the daily suicide rate in Bangladesh is an average of 40 deaths a day with the majority being youth. Students are entitled to safe and peaceful environments conducive to their learning and growth. Safety and stability are vital in academic institutions and for that, the voices of students must be heard.
We want the authorities to release the students who have been arrested. We want the repression of the students and young people and the general public to stop.
We are protesting as concerned teachers, grieving scholars, and enraged civilians of this country.
Love, power, and solidarity
A collective of concerned teachers
31st July 2024