Md Mahbub-ul Alam

There is a saying, “A just cause loses its strength when pursued through unjust means.” In the democratic ideology, protest is not a privilege but rather 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 towards 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 worker 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, 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 this: roads are obstructed, commuters stranded, businesses crippled, unthinkable damage done to public property, and even ambulances held in abeyance. The ultimate result ends up with resentment.

The moral strength of a society or a nation is judged not only by its willingness to express but also by the manner of expression. Therefore, the concern is not only whether people should protest but 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.

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 and 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 almost every case. They often begin with logic and solemnity, but when emotion running wild overtakes the system, devilment replaces dialogue, and then the happenings miserably fail to unveil the justness of the cause.

History proves that silent strength speaks louder than fierce outcry. Many major changes in the world were brought about through peaceful means. 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.  Similarly, African-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, it was powerful. So, the demand for demonstrations that have been taking place day to day in our society is perhaps easily addressable. Even demonstrations or protests are not required at all; dialogue and negotiations are enough to solve if stakeholders are akin to the solution.

In civilised 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, organisers should attempt to resolve issues through formal channels such as sending letters, submitting petitions, holding meetings, signing memoranda or actions of a similar nature. Proper documentation, enshrining accurate and updated information, demands more attention. Facts are the foundation of effective protest. Protesters may take advice from the expertise of the specific domain and can collaborate with universities and think-tank organisations 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 paralysing public life. Such approaches also attract media attention and public support because they embody discipline, not destruction.

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 organisers should coordinate with the law enforcement agencies and the local administration to minify disturbance. They should avoid peak traffic hours, ensure emergency lanes remain open, and announce schedules 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 galvanised into love and kindness.”

While citizens bear responsibility to protest peacefully, the authorities bear equal responsibility to listen patiently. Most movements turn violent because people feel that they are unheard, not because they love chaos. So, 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. 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 authorities’ speedy measures on traffic discipline temporarily restored confidence, though it was short-lived. Responsiveness earns more respect than rhetoric.

In our society, young people, students, professionals, and 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 civilised way to protest, public communication, conflict resolution, civic leadership, etc. may be introduced. This type of initiative will play a pivotal role in nurturing 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 can a sustainable outcome be expected. Every citizen has the right to demand justice in a proper but different way, but that should not be at the cost of others’ rights. When demands are raised through peaceful means with patience and evidence, this must deserve respect, and the authorities are expected to respond with empathy, which strengthens mutual respect. 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.

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