Celebration, some apprehension among Bangladeshis in Kolkata
Times of India | 6 August 2024
12 Kolkata: Swaying between celebrations and apprehensions, Bangladeshis in Kolkata reacted differently as news unfolded from back home on the escape of Shiekh Hasina and an Army takeover.
Some tourists from Bangladesh brought out a “victory procession” on Free School Street-Marquis Street. They flashed victory signs and hailed the “martyrs” killed during the quota protests.They clicked pictures and made videos while congratulating and embracing each other. Police dispersed the crowd when it started blocking the traffic.
“We are relieved after hearing the news of the PM’s resignation and the army chief promising an interim govt and meeting the demand of the protestors. So many people have given up their lives in these protests,” said Mohammad Sharfuddin Sayem, a student from Chittagong. “I was supposed to return home today but all the buses got cancelled,” he added.
“When the news of a press conference by the army chief came in, we knew there could be some good news,” said Mohammad Jamir Shopon, another tourist from Dhaka.
“I was forced to come to Kolkata amidst all the turmoil due to the health of my elder brother. But my heart was with the protestors. The last two days have been very difficult for our countrymen. I am going to offer special prayers now,” said businessman Mayaz Hossain Choudhuri.
Dhaka-based Md Dayan, who is in Kolkata with nephew Md Kausar for medical check-up, took part in a protest rally on July 19 where officially 22 people were killed. He was witnessed to two deaths. “I had tried to save a student but he collapsed on the way to hospital,” he added.
Parveen Munni from Chittagong managed to buy rasgullas from a sweet shop on Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road and distributed among them at a hotel on Mirza Mahedi Lane. “The deaths of so many young students are unacceptable and now we are free,” she said.
But Tanveer Alam Shwajeeb, Bangladeshi-Canadian singer-Composer and music curator, was apprehensive. He said: “I traveled to Kolkata to participate in a film festival, but unexpectedly found myself stranded here. My heart is heavy with concern for the well-being of the citizens. The situation has left me feeling anxious and uneasy. Additionally, I am facing a severe resource crunch, as I had not anticipated that my stay in the city would be extended for such a prolonged period.”
RBU student Russell Robin said: “I don’t know when I will be able to meet my parents and my siblings. I am praying for peace to return to my homeland. Another student Sreyoshi Shreya added: “I am worried for my family after watching the videos on social media. I hope peace returns soon.”
(With inputs from Sukhomoy Sen, Poulami Banerjee & Krishnendu Bandyopadhyay)