Kelowna City Hall was taken over by a passionate group of protesters on Saturday, as they gathered to show their support for students in Bangladesh. The demonstration, organized by the Bangladesh Students’ Association of UBCO, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh and to call for action from the Canadian government.
The protest began with a peaceful march from Stuart Park to City Hall, where the group of approximately 50 people gathered with signs and chants. The protesters were met with a strong police presence, but the event remained peaceful and no incidents were reported.
The students in Bangladesh have been protesting for weeks, demanding safer roads and stricter traffic laws after two students were killed by a speeding bus in Dhaka. The protests have since evolved into a larger movement, with students calling for an end to government corruption and for the resignation of the current Prime Minister.
The protesters in Kelowna echoed these demands, calling for the Canadian government to take action and put pressure on the Bangladeshi government to address the students’ concerns. They also urged the Canadian government to suspend all aid to Bangladesh until the demands of the students are met.
One of the organizers, Fahim Rahman, spoke to the crowd, stating, “We are here to show our solidarity with the students in Bangladesh who are fighting for their rights and for a better future. We urge the Canadian government to use their influence to help bring about change in our home country.”
The protest also included speeches from other members of the Bangladeshi community in Kelowna, who shared their personal experiences and reasons for supporting the cause.
The demonstration ended with a moment of silence for the students who have lost their lives during the protests in Bangladesh. The group then dispersed peacefully, but the message of the protest remains strong.
The Bangladesh Students’ Association of UBCO hopes that their protest will bring attention to the ongoing situation in Bangladesh and encourage the Canadian government to take action. They also plan to continue their efforts and organize more events in the future to support the students in their home country.
The protest at Kelowna City Hall was a powerful display of solidarity and a reminder that the fight for justice and change knows no borders. As the students in Bangladesh continue to fight for their rights, the support from the Kelowna community and the Canadian government will be crucial in bringing about meaningful change.
