54 years on, equality of opportunity still eludes people of Bangladesh: Zonayed Saki

Gonosonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki has strongly criticized the state of social justice in Bangladesh, asserting that even after 54 years of independence, equality of opportunity remains out of reach for the majority of its citizens.

He made the remarks while addressing a public march and dialogue organized by the Gonosonghoti Andolon at Golam Mostafa High School in Phulbari on Saturday (August 16).

The event was moderated by Mottalib Pappu, acting member secretary of the Fulbari unit of the Gonosonghoti Andolon, and presided over by Upazila convener Mahmud Hasan Babu.

Saki highlighted the stark disparity in access to education and resources, particularly between children from wealthy families and those from working-class and farming backgrounds. “The sons and daughters of the wealthy attend top-tier schools with every facility, while the children of farmers and laborers — who generate the country’s wealth — are denied proper education, good schools, or even basic sports facilities. Is this equality? Is this justice?” he questioned.

Reflecting on the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War, Saki said the dream of a just and equitable nation — built with the blood of workers, farmers, students, and youth — remains unfulfilled. “The promise was of a state grounded in equality, human dignity, and social justice. But after more than five decades, these principles have not been realized,” he said.

He emphasized that true equality means equal access to opportunities for all citizens, regardless of wealth, religion, race, gender identity, or political belief. “Human dignity must be guaranteed by the state. No citizen should face oppression for their identity or beliefs if they do not harm others,” he stated.

Touching on recent student protests and the government's response, Saki condemned the violent crackdown on youth demanding an end to discrimination, particularly around the quota system. “Our students said they reject discrimination. That was their constitutional right. But instead of listening, the state responded with bullets. We saw how police killed Abu Sayeed in broad daylight. This is not democracy; this is repression,” he said.

He also accused previous governments of using state forces over the past 15 years to suppress political dissent and block democratic organization. “From killings and enforced disappearances to systematic intimidation — all were used to cling to power,” Saki claimed.

Addressing the role of youth, Saki said the politically aware and active youth of Bangladesh have repeatedly shaped the nation's history, and their involvement is crucial in this critical time. “We are at a historical crossroads. The youth must take an active role to reclaim the vision of a non-discriminatory, dignified society,” he urged.

Saki also condemned the marginalization of minority communities, saying, “This country has been made unsafe for those who are marginalized in terms of religion, ethnicity, or gender identity. This is not what human dignity looks like.”

Prominent speakers at the mass dialogue included Bachchu Bhuiyan (Editorial Board Member), Nazar Ahmed (Advisory Board Member), Touhidur Rahman (Rangpur District Convener), Mofakharul Islam Moon (Member Secretary), Abdur Rashid (Bogra District Convener), Sultan Mahmud Shishir (Dinajpur District Convener), Syed Saiful Islam Jewel (Fulbari Upazila Organizer), and Ilias Zaman (Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Federation), among others.