Amid internet ban, Bangladeshis in Pune kept world abreast on nation through social media

“Back home we were active in the anti-quota movement. The movement is led by students and all of us were connected to this,” they said. Once they returned to Pune to commence their studies, the protests took a more serious turn with the police opening fire at protestors. “At the height of the protests, the then government had suspended mobile internet and virtually clamped down on every means of communication. It was students like us who spread correct news on social networking sites,” they said. Bangladeshi police, they claimed, had taken to searching people’s phones to check if they had VPNs and if they were used to distribute anti-government propaganda.

“The diaspora had played an active role in this,” they said. In India since 2022, the students say the revolution which forced Hasina to resign was a sign that people of Bangladesh would not bow down to any sort of dictatorial tendencies any more.

As Bangladesh continues to report cases of arson and attacks against minorities, the students felt it was their duty to ensure minorities were protected. “This revolution was led and guided by the students. We do not want anarchy and we are more than confident that our compatriots will ensure that,” said Moumi.

Mim admits that attacks on minorities is a matter of concern. “Across Bangladesh, people have taken to protecting property and lives of minorities. I am from Khulna and our building has two Hindu families. My family has taken it upon themselves to protect them,” she said.

Another student Mithila Bhattacharya, who hails from Sylhet had seen arson attacks on shops and establishments owned by minorities. “We are happy that the regime which throttled the voice of freedom is gone, but we are worried about the safety of our family,” she said.

Oppression for Anuprerana Chakma is not new, who has seen this for years as she comes from an ethnic group that has been targeted by the army for a long time. Hailing from Rangamati, Chakma hopes the new government will ensure minorities’ rights are protected. Puja Roy from Mirzapur and Riptra Bhowmik from Kumilla have concerns about the ongoing violence against minorities. “We hope things settle down fast ,” is what they said.