University Teachers’ Network, a unity of the university professors, urged the people to reject the forthcoming election that is going to become a farce. Not only that, they also emphasised that it is the responsibility of the government to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

It may sound an insignificant news and, for some, a bare minimum from the people who are hailed as the most revered people in the country in terms of knowledge and, by virtue of that, who are responsible for guiding the intelligentsia of the country.

But in an extraordinary situation, this clarion call is very significant. In the country where every institution has become partisan, conducted by the direct involvement of the ruling party, the slightest of dissent may lead to serious consequences. The teachers who protested the farse that is going to take place in the name of election may conjure not only professional hazard but the attack may come on a personal level as well. On a personal level, it is learnt an eminent professor and intellectual of University of Dhaka had to leave his job and the country altogether. And he was not even a follower of the opposition party, rather he was a liberal minded persona who subscribes to the progressive ideology.

And we all know most of the teachers are mute in front of the regime. So, this call of resistance is very vital. Some of the teachers in this union might even have a history of serving the purpose of the current regime but we must commend them for their recent bravery.

There comes the bigger point. The political situation has gotten so worse it has shaken the core of the country and almost every sane person wants the country to be saved from further plight. The one-party rule has decimated politics, economy and even the basic social bases. Now irrespective of the people supporting opposition parties, everybody wants a change.

However, it is not easy. The regime has gleaned immense power and, with their tentacle of carrot and sticks, gathered powerful supporters’ home and abroad. The struggle will not be easy.

Even with the unity of all, the resurrection of democracy will be a tough battle to win. This is why it is so important. 

Notably, the same day, Amnesty International issued a 10-point charter ahead of the election. Many may not like the foreign organisations as we observed in the past; they may have vested interest.

But this is a high time we got united through minimum consensus that is to resurrect the rights of people. Whether you are left, right, middle, whether you are nationalist or communist, it is time to forge allies with whoever is showing the courage to speak out against the regime.

Time to be united, really united.

The Boxer: The author is one of the indefatigable working-class Bangladeshis who have been trying to change the fate of the nation but were betrayed by the ruling elites and autocrats. The name is inspired by a character in George Orwell's 1945 novel Animal Farm.