There is a saying “a just cause loses its strength when pursued through unjust means”. In the democratic ideology, protest is not a privilege rather it is a right. It is the main theme of participatory governance, the expression of conscience against unfairness, and a way to remind rulers of their obligation toward the ruled. Yet, in many societies, this right is often exercised in ways that mainly cause chaos, trouble, and even violence. In our society, demonstrations have become almost a regular phenomenon from student protests to workers’ movements; from calls for fair wages to demands for road safety, administrative reform and many others. Though the causes behind these protests are often just and inevitable, but the methods and manners the protesters sometimes impose and exert are more prone to damage than good. The damages and harms are meted out like, roads are obstructed, commuters stranded, businesses made crippled, unthinkable damage to public property, and even ambulances held in abeyance. The ultimate result ends up with resentment, not reform.

Moral strength of a society or a nation is judged not only by its willingness to express but also by the manner of expressions. Therefore, the concern is not only whether people should protest, or rather how they should protest. The means should be designed carefully to advance their cause without weakening public order or undermining the rights of others. The exercise of an individual’s freedom must not hinder others’ liberty.

Lessons from the Recent Movements

People have witnessed a series of large-scale protests in recent years that have unveiled both the power and the hazard of civic action. In most cases, the protests are kicked off with bonafide understanding, but development of demonstration based on rumour and involvement of vested corner cannot be also ruled out. If we look at the road safety movement of student in 2018, it began as an emotional and natural outcry after two school students had been killed by a reckless bus in Dhaka. The protesting students moved into the streets demanding appropriate enforcement of traffic rules and accountability from transport authorities. Their cause was morally unshakable. Initially, the movement sought admiration from people of all strata mainly for its discipline and clarity of purpose.

However, with the elapse of time, the peaceful demonstration converged into a scene of chaos and confusion. The moral strength of the cause started fading away with the incidents of clashes with law enforcers, road blockades and, therefore, the sufferings of the general mass had mounted. The issue subsided in the noise of diverted conflicts. Similar patterns of protests have been observed in other movements, such as teachers’ demonstrations, labor unrest, and even localized student issues. They often begin with logic and solemnity, but when emotion running wild overtakes system, devilment replaces dialogue, and then the happenings miserably fail to unveil the justness of the cause.

The Civilized Ways and Means to Protest

Peaceful protest is the symbol of wisdom, not weakness. The history of humanity has successful stories with examples where disciplined and non-violent demonstrations achieved laurels where violence or any other means miserably failed. The Salt March of 1930 and the Quit India Movement of 1942 of Mahatma Gandhi are the glaring examples of non-violent movements that accelerated the ways to achieve India’s Independence. The righteousness of the cause and moral courage possess tremendous strength to win over any giant power. Similarly, Africans-Americans fought racial segregation through peaceful marches under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. The “March on Washington” in 1963 was a decisive moment; though it was historically peaceful, yet it was huge powerful. The leader’s motivation was “We must meet hate with love,” that still resonates globally. In South Africa, non-violent resistance and reconciliation against racial oppression was promoted by Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Their concept of forgiveness transformed a deeply bifurcated nation into a democratic one through kindness rather than retaliation.

History proves that silent strength speaks louder than fierce outcry. Many major changes in the world were brought through peaceful means. So, the demand for demonstrations, that have been taking place day to day in our society, are perhaps easily addressable. Even demonstrations or protests are not required at all; dialogue and negotiations are enough to solve if stakeholders are akin to solution. Haemin Sunim, a Buddhist monk mentioned in his book (The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down) “Many conflicts in our lives can be resolved if we put ourselves in the other person’s shoes…. If you consider only your side, you are no different from a child. If you get angry while debating right or wrong, your enraged voice has just conceded defeat.” In civilized societies, the meticulous, evidence-based and non-violent plan of action brings lasting change. The psyche of protest for any reason leaving aside the option of dialogue cannot bring any enduring peaceful solution. Before rushing to the streets, organizers should attempt to resolve issues through formal channels such as sending letters; submitting petitions; holding meetings; signing memorandum, or actions of similar nature. Proper documentation, enshrining accurate and updated information, demands more attention. Facts are the foundation of effective protest. Movements that present research, data, and constructive proposals tend to succeed. For instance, a brief study showing the number of annual road accidents, their causes and lack of policy along with feasible recommendations is far more persuasive than mere slogans. Protesters may take advice of the expertise of the specific domain and can collaborate with universities and think-tank organizations to make such reports which are then supposed to give adequate legitimacy and intellectual strength to the protest.

When authorities see that a demand is well-prepared and reasonable, not ill-motivated, they are more likely to respond positively. If at all needed, peaceful methods like human chains, sit-ins at designated venues, poster campaigns, and social media advocacy can raise awareness without paralyzing public life. Such approaches also attract media attention and public support because they embody discipline, not destruction. As Mahatma Gandhi reminded the world, “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind.”

Perhaps, in the present era, one need not obstruct roads to make a point. Online campaigns, if managed responsibly, can gather thousands without interrupting a single traffic light. However, if street demonstrations are inevitable, the organizers should coordinate with the law enforcers and the local administration to minify disturbance. They should avoid peak traffic hours, ensure emergency lanes remaining open, and announce schedule and routes beforehand with other necessary measures to lessen the hassle for dwellers. A well-managed peaceful protest indicates civic maturity and earns moralistic potency. The power of peace is stronger than violence. Here two encouraging lines from ‘Ode to Peace’, a “Prize of Merit” winning poem by Gazi A. H. Baqui, may be mentioned “When the power of peace overwhelms an entire life,    Evil passions are galvanized into love and kindness.”       

Better to Listen before It is Too Late

While citizens bear responsibility to protest peacefully, the authority bears equal responsibility to listen patiently. Most movements turn violent because people feel that they are unheard, not because they love chaos. Authorities should operate a functional system to allow people to voice concerns before frustration spills onto the streets.  The role of the police is to maintain law and order situations as well as to protect citizens’ rights. Indiscriminate action or use of excessive force against protesters can only fuel emotional arousal. The Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The strong person is not the one who overpowers others, but the one who controls himself when angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6114). Dialogue and restraint should always come before force. When the legitimate demands are not given due importance or met with bureaucratic delay, frustration naturally discharges. On the contrary, swift and visible steps develop trust. Immediately after the road safety movement in 2018, the authority’s speedy measures on traffic discipline temporarily restored confidence though it was short-lived. Responsiveness earns respect than rhetoric. In our society, young people, students, professionals, activists, most of them carry both passion and potential. They need guidance to transform their agitation into constructive behaviour rather than ruinous confrontation. In educational institutions, especially at university level, the grooming-session on the civilized way to protest, public communication, conflict resolution, civic leadership, etc. may be introduced. This type of initiative will play a pivotal role to nurture the new generation who will emerge as leaders and believe that reform begins not with ramp, but with rationality. Sensible and patriotic thoughts and actions are expected from all stakeholders, where all must respect peaceful protest and reject those who abuse it for personal gain.

Protests must possess purpose and voice to have value - only then with this theme sustainable outcome may be expected. Every citizen has the right to demand justice in a proper but different way, but that should not at the cost of others’ rights. When demands are raised through peaceful means with patience and evidences, this must deserve respect, and the authority is expected to respond with empathy which strengthens mutual respect. The Holy Qura’n reminds us “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Al-Hujurat 49:10). We need to develop a culture of protest with prestige, demand with reason, and settle up hazards if there were any with negotiation. Voices must not be faded away through the noise of destruction, but should be heard with compassion. Only then protest will not turn into pain rather a force for progress in our society.

The writer is a serving Major General of Bangladesh Army and Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Professionals, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka