A very common term these days is 'graffiti.' A word that, until recently, was known to only a few has now become familiar to the majority. Let’s explore why this word has gained such popularity.

The anti-discrimination student movement began in July this year, with its primary demand being reform in the Keta system. The aim was to ensure employment based on merit. Initially peaceful, the students’ movement turned violent under the oppressive actions of the dictatorship. From July 17, the intensity of the protests increased, with people from all walks of life joining the cause. Artists and students chose 'graffiti' as their form of protest, painting various images and writing slogans of resistance on walls. At that time, since the dictatorial government had not yet fallen, there were many obstacles, so the number of 'graffiti' pieces was limited.

As the movement reached its peak, the unified demand became the 'overthrow of the dictatorial regime.' A historic event occurred on August 5 when the then-prime minister was forced to flee in the face of the final wave of protests. The people of Bengal experienced a new kind of freedom.

From August 6 onward, most of the city’s walls were covered in 'graffiti.' The walls became witnesses to history, carrying the stories of the entire movement within them. Abu Saeed of Rangpur, who was shot and robbed by the police, remains memorialized on thousands of walls across the country. The image of a boy standing in water, asking 'water, need water?' can still be seen on the walls near Stamford University.

The spirit of victory is also captured in 'graffiti,' such as the image of a bird breaking free from a cage and flying away. The walls now express what was once unspeakable: 'Come to the protest,' 'Protest all night,' and more. The wall became the most powerful symbol of protest, patriotism, equality, revolution, and unity. Starting from August 5, the word 'graffiti' began appearing repeatedly in news reports and newspapers. Every day, multiple stories about 'graffiti' were published, making the term widely recognized among the people of Bangladesh.

Today, these 'graffiti' pieces adorn the walls of the country. As the beauty of the walls grows, so do the memories of victory and the legacy of the movement. Every time people see the artwork, they are reminded of the many sacrifices made and are encouraged to ensure that the hard-won victory is never squandered. What were once dull and faded walls have now been repainted with new colors. The walls, once cluttered with meaningless posters and advertisements, now showcase beautiful images that capture human emotions. Every piece of 'graffiti' carries a message, revealing many unspoken words of the people.

In this way, we can say that the walls now speak for the people.