Bangladeshis react to protests
Anti-government riots on campuses across Bangladesh have prompted a curfew in major cities.

Readers in Bangladesh give their views on how the military-backed emergency government has handled the protests and on how the country's political crisis should be resolved.

FARZEEN FERDOUS, 18, STUDENT

I supported the protests in the beginning. The government was completely wrong to have an army camp in the university. Security in universities should be provided by campus police, not by external forces.

However, the student's demands for the removal of the army camp were quickly met. The subsequent riots, in which hundreds of businesses and cars were destroyed, had nothing to do with the students.

The international community must realise that the two main political parties are great opportunists. Regardless of their hatred for each other, when they see a common enemy, they unite to destroy it and that is exactly what is happening.

I was deeply bothered that a curfew was imposed on us, making leaving home a crime. The streets were empty and dark. I've seen curfews in places like Baghdad on television, but never in my life did I imagine I would experience it myself.

Elections should take place when we have political parties that truly believe in a functioning democracy
The government's approach in running the country has been one-dimensional. They have tried to brand themselves as the 'anti-corruption government'. While that is most welcome, it matters little to the rickshaw puller who cannot buy enough to feed his family because prices increased by a good 10% from the previous day.

Nevertheless, I do appreciate the drive against corruption. It has sent out a clear message to upcoming politicians that their actions will not go unaccounted for. However, it would be foolish for the government to think that they can get the country rid of it. Corruption is a social element and it is here to stay.

I think we should stick with this government. It may not be what our freedom fighters had dreamt of, but it is much better than what we have experienced under the BNP and the Awami League.

I think the elections should take place when we have political parties that truly believe in a functioning democracy. Anything else will just lead us back to where we are now 10 years later.

SALMA RAHMAN, 34, FREELANCE JOURNALIST

I fully support this movement. Students have always played an important role against undemocratic governments. No government should forget that a seven-year-long student movement forced Gen Ershad to resign. This time even the teachers backed the movement, which rarely happens. The general public also joined the students.

People thought that, with some corrupt politicians behind bars, the situation will improve. But those who were day-dreaming are now facing the reality. The government has failed to keep its promises and is making people's lives more difficult.

The prices of daily essentials have gone sky-high and the economy is stagnating.

Now they are imposing restrictions on the media - they banned showing of video footage of the protests. They harass those who disagree with them.

Colleagues tell me that a few journalists were beaten up during the curfew although they showed their press cards and others were detained.

This is a direct intervention on the media. A popular government can't do these kinds of things.

Personally I think this government has lost the right to hold power. They should organise the next general election as soon as possible. As a concerned citizen I demand the immediate withdrawal of the state of emergency and the restoration of democracy.

SIFAR NOOR, 19, STUDENT

The students are the voice of conscience in our country. I think that the protests are a message that misuse of power will never be accepted by the people. The general public is supporting the students, which takes things into another dimension. This government is loosing popularity fast.

I am very unhappy about the activities of this government. They are only concerned about political issues and corruption. But they are ignoring the basic needs and rights of ordinary people, like the price of electricity and necessary goods.

They have failed to deal with basic problems. Getting rid of corruption is not a priority right now. Other vital problems should be solved first, like respecting democracy and the rights of people, solving basic human rights issues and organising fair elections.

The elections are very important. It concerns me that political activities for election preparations are totally suspended because of the state of emergency. That should change as soon as possible. After all, it is more important who will lead our country.

SALEEM ULLAH, 57, ADVOCATE

I would have supported the protests so long as they were in the hands of the students. But when some political elements, especially a group of teachers joined in, many like me have lost their sympathy for the protesters.

That made the protests controversial and therefore, although I am against any form of extra-constitutional government, I think that the burning of cars and buses has done more damage than good to the cause of democracy.

I am neither a supporter nor a critic of this government. Unlike many people I think this government is a de facto government.

So far to my mind they are doing well. The drive against corruption should have been taken by the elected government but we, the Bangladeshis, have been very unlucky.

Governments have failed dramatically because of their lust for power. Members of parliament are otherwise divided, but when looting the country, they are united.

I think that it would have been better if elections were held earlier than the chosen date. But since all the parties have agreed for a proper voter list with ID cards, it is physically impossible to hold elections before October or November 2008.