Thousands protest in Tunisia, demanding the president's resignation

Bangla Press Desk: Thousands of people took to the streets in the capital, Tunis, to protest against the policies and governance of Tunisian President Kais Saied. During the massive demonstration held on Saturday (October 17), participants demanded the protection of freedom of speech and civil rights, while also calling for the President’s resignation.
According to a report by the Turkish news agency Anadolu, the protest was organized jointly by the influential Tunisian General Labour Union (UGTT), various civil society organizations, and several political parties. The demonstration began in front of the labour union’s headquarters. As protesters marched through the capital’s streets, they chanted strong anti-government slogans and demanded that President Saied step down.
Representatives and activists from various Tunisian political parties—including the People’s Movement, the Ennahda Movement, and the National Salvation Front—participated in the march.
At the conclusion of the protest, during a rally held in front of the Municipal Theatre, UGTT Secretary-General Salaheddine Salmi warned that if the authorities continue to bypass dialogue or discussion, the streets and public squares will become the primary arena for such discourse.
Urging the Tunisian people to unite, he emphasized the need for everyone to speak out to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, as well as the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. Noting that the rights of the people are being violated, he asserted that Tunisia cannot be left under the control of a one-man rule or a government that listens only to itself.
Mounir Jelassi, a secondary school teacher who took part in the protest, told the media that he joined the march for two main reasons. First, he pointed out that freedom of speech in the country is shrinking day by day, and that various harsh restrictions are being imposed on fundamental liberties. Secondly, due to the escalating economic crisis, the cost of living has risen to an extraordinary degree, making it extremely difficult for ordinary people to lead a normal life in their own country. Source: Middle East Monitor
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