Those born between 1997 and 2012 are referred to as Generation Z. I want to talk about the mentality of this generation. What is that mentality? It's true that everyone is involved in this recent anti-discrimination movement-political parties like the BNP, Jamaat, Shibir, and even members of the student league have participated. However, the core of this movement has been Generation Z. They stand firm in the face of bullets. When tear gas is fired, they confront it head-on. Even when guns are drawn, they rush into the fray with sticks.
In the past, many political parties have organized movements that were easily suppressed. For example, during the Hefazat-e-Islam movement on May 5, we saw people being shot down. But Generation Z cannot be easily suppressed.
When one of their own is shot, others carry him away, and the rest continue the fight. The injured person may say, "If I die, you must continue the movement." They have united across various locations. I personally witnessed the events on the last day at Bangla Motor; students were retreating due to police and student league attacks when suddenly a procession of nearly 10,000 students appeared, forcing the police and student league to retreat.
We have labeled Generation Z in various ways-they are the TikTok generation, the PUBG generation, and so on. But the mobile phones we've given them have been used in many ways. They have engaged with TikTok, played PUBG, and recognized the world beyond their immediate surroundings. We cannot confine them to just Bangladesh; they are globally aware and knowledgeable. They understand far more than those over 30. While we used basic phones, they are using Androids or iPhones. We confined them, keeping them from the abundance of nature and locking them in concrete jungles. However, they did not remain confined; they have spread across the world.
When one of their own is shot, others carry him away, and the rest
continue the fight. The injured person may say, "If I die, you must
continue the movement." They have united across various locationsâ€
It is not easy to suppress them. They cannot be subdued by bullets, and they have shown that. The responsibility for the downfall of tyranny and the success of the current movement lies primarily with Generation Z. Their courage has united people and brought them together. At that moment, the people of Bangladesh looked to them, saying, "You tell us; our only demand is the resignation of Sheikh Hasina." The people didn't voice it directly; they entrusted it to the youth because they believe in them. No one dictated it to them; they made the announcement themselves, and people rallied behind their declaration.
So, salute to Generation Z, salute to the student community of Bangladesh. Not just in Bangladesh, but in any country, we must never underestimate the demands and aspirations of the student community. We have learned this lesson many times, yet we have failed to apply it. Because of this failure, we have witnessed such events. I hope that those who come to power will understand that even younger individuals may seem insignificant, but we must strive to comprehend their mentality. We must understand what they desire. If they want change, they can unseat those in power, regardless of their stature.
One truth remains: they did not carry out this movement alone. This has become a movement for the entire nation. People from all walks of life, from political parties to farmers and rickshaw drivers, have taken to the streets. However, the unifying force behind bringing everyone together has been this generation.
