Editorial
Rising tide of popular demands
People's will should prevail
Voices of change continue to be heard in diverse regions of the Middle East. After a truly remarkable bout of change in Tunisia and Egypt, it is by now absolutely clear that Arabs across the region have spontaneously risen in defence of a democracy they have never had over the last many decades. In Bahrain, in Libya, in Jordan, in Yemen, a tidal wave of popular revolt aimed at a liberalization of society through an overthrow of their entrenched ruling classes surges on, cheering votaries of democracy across the world.
The enormity of the transformation that has occurred among the mindsets of people in the countries where the demands for change are being raised testifies to their long-suppressed yearning for a transition to a new order. Unfortunately, rather than yielding to the demands or accepting the new realities that have come up, some regimes appear to be ready to fight a war of attrition against their own people. Individuals have died in Bahrain. Similar is the situation in Libya, where Muammar Gaddafi has been trying to demonstrate his hold on his country by organizing demonstrations in his favour. The royal houses of Jordan and Morocco, having promised change over the years but not really doing anything about it, are now scrambling to reassure citizens about bringing in reforms. It may well be too late in the day, for after Tunisia and Egypt, the mood is clearly one of nothing less than a change in leadership across the spectrum.
We in Bangladesh, having repeatedly gone through the experience of struggling for democratic change --- and succeeding in our efforts --- would certainly like to see the aspirations of the people of the Middle East crowned with success. Let no effort be made by the ruling classes to go against the tide. The struggle in Libya, Jordan, Bahrain, Yemen and Morocco are for an assertion of people's dignity. It is the will of the people that must triumph.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
5 hour(s) ago
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Weak policing fuelling rise in crimes
17 June 2026, 18:18 PM
Editorial
Three union names, one troubling pattern
17 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Comments