Why the "No Page Tearing" graffiti is causing uproar?

Sometimes it feels as if the country has become like a land of anarchy. No one understands when, who, why, or how something happens. It seems it's a country where anyone can do anything here. A page that carried messages of harmony and goodwill led to turmoil, and in the ensuing clashes, 33 people were injured. Such an incident could likely only happen in Bangladesh, because this nation has seemingly lost its sense of reason and logical judgment. Especially some groups are constantly trying to exploit the situation for their own gain. Otherwise, this event cannot be explained in any other way.

According to news reports published on Thursday (January 16), students protesting the removal of illustration depicting "indigenous" people from textbooks were attacked by another group supporting the removal of the illustration. Several individuals were injured in the incident. Currently, the situation has returned to normal.

The situation is considered normal in the sense that there is no longer chaos in front of the textbook building; however, there is still widespread discussion and criticism about the incident on social media. An analysis of the event reveals that a piece of illustration containing the word "indigenous" was placed on the back cover of the Bengali grammar and composition book for grades 9 and 10. The artwork depicted a tree with five leaves, each labeled with "Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and Indigenous," with the words "No page tearing" written next to it.

On January 12, a group of students from Dhaka University, under the banner of "Students for Sovereignty," surrounded the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). Later that night, the artwork was removed from the online version of the book. In protest, an organization of indigenous students called "Aggrieved Indigenous Students" announced they would surround the textbook building on the morning of January 15. Meanwhile, "Students for Sovereignty" also announced plans to surround the building at the same time. By midday, a clash occurred between the two groups, and now each group is blaming the other for the violence.

This time, educationist Rakhal Raha, who was involved in the curriculum change and textbook revision, has been accused by the 'Students for Sovereignty' group of being the one who added the 'No page tearing' graffiti. From the day before the incident, Rakhal Raha had been trying to talk to someone from 'Students for Sovereignty.' Despite several attempts, no response was received from their side. On the morning of January 15, Rakhal Raha went to the NCTB building to speak with someone from 'Students for Sovereignty.' While a few members of the group spoke with him, they did not offer any logical responses.

The next day (January 16), Rakhal Raha extensively explained his position and the events of that day on social media. He clarified that no decisions regarding the textbook revision were made solely by him; the graffiti had been selected by a committee of 57 people. He also mentioned that the ministry and advisors were involved in the process. According to Rakhal Raha, if anyone had any concerns, they could raise them, but he pointed out that the students from 'Students for Sovereignty' seemed more interested in creating chaos in the streets rather than having a rational discussion.

Media reports and eyewitness accounts suggest that the 'Students for Sovereignty' organization is primarily responsible for the unexpected unrest. Multiple videos show them being more aggressive. The majority of the injured are indigenous or hill people. The first question is, why are they pressuring to remove the term 'indigenous' from the textbooks? Their exact identity remains unclear, though they claim to be a student organization based in Dhaka University. However, many students involved in the anti-discrimination movement have stated they do not recognize them.

The second question is, how did a relatively unknown organization, which was not widely known until recently, gain so much power that they could force changes in state matters such as change in textbooks under threat? Does this imply that anyone can use power and force changes in textbooks as they see fit, and the state or government will accept it? This behavior by 'Students for Sovereignty' has been strongly condemned by the general public, as well as by academics and politicians, on social media and in the media.

They cannot take to the streets, with the national flag tied to their heads, to protest against the programs of other organizations. This is the responsibility of the government authorities or law enforcement agencies. It is their job. Outside of this, no one has the right to interfere in the work of others; however, this is precisely what 'Students for Sovereignty' did. Some are saying that they carried out this protest and attack deliberately on behalf of a certain group. We want a fair investigation into the incident. Those who are conspiring to disrupt the peace of the country should be brought to justice quickly. If not, this conspiracy could further deepen the divide between the hill people and the Bengalis.