National Mourning Ignites Outrage in Bangladesh

A government-declared national mourning day on Tuesday to commemorate victims of the quota reform movement has sparked widespread controversy and defiance among the nation’s youth. While the traditional color of mourning is black, a significant portion of the population, particularly students, have adopted red as a symbol of protest and defiance.

The decision to observe a mourning day came after a cabinet meeting on Monday, where it was also revealed that 150 people had lost their lives in the ongoing violence related to the quota reform protests. However, students and activists have dismissed the government's gesture as a "farce," arguing that the authorities have failed to address the root causes of the unrest.

Social media has become a platform for expressing dissent, with countless users changing their profile pictures to red. Students from universities across the country, including North South University, BRAC University, and Dhaka University, have been at the forefront of the movement. They have accused the government of using excessive force against protesters and of failing to protect their rights.

Beyond the student body, the red profile picture trend has gained momentum among professionals who sympathize with the students' cause. They have expressed their frustration with the government's handling of the situation and called for justice for the victims.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violent protests, the government faces growing pressure to address the underlying issues and find a lasting solution to the quota system.