Dhaka, August 3, 2024: The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has declared a single demand for the resignation of the government. Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the movement, made the announcement today at a massive rally held at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.
At around 5:30 PM, Nahid Islam addressed the crowd via a microphone, saying, “For the security of people’s lives and the establishment of justice in society, we have reached a decision on one demand. That demand is the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government and the end of fascism.”
Nahid further stated, “From the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, we will soon announce a united front with citizens, student organizations, and professionals from all sectors for a national uprising. Through discussions with everyone, we will present the national framework for the future of Bangladesh.”
He added, “It’s not just Sheikh Hasina; the entire cabinet and government must resign. This fascist regime must be abolished. We aim to build a Bangladesh and create a political settlement where no form of dictatorship or fascism can ever return.”
Nahid called on people to join the spontaneous student-citizen uprising, organizing in neighborhoods and communities. He also announced the commencement of a full-scale non-cooperation movement starting tomorrow.
The student movement for quota reform in government jobs began on July 1. On July 16, six people died in clashes, which intensified the movement. Subsequent clashes have resulted in 216 deaths and many injuries.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement initially presented nine demands related to the violence and casualties. Today, they consolidated their demands into one. At least six coordinators, including Nahid Islam, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr Majumder, and Abdul Kader, were present at the front of the rally, with three, including Nahid, giving speeches.
Today, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement held protest rallies nationwide. Starting Sunday, they have called for a full-scale non-cooperation movement. Students and ordinary citizens from various parts of the capital gathered at Shaheed Minar to participate in today’s program.
Three Prothom Alo reporters present at Shaheed Minar reported that protesters began gathering in groups at the site from 2:30 PM onwards. As time passed, the number of protesters swelled, filling the Shaheed Minar premises and surrounding areas.
Besides Shaheed Minar, students and ordinary citizens gathered at various locations in Dhaka. There were clashes and protests in several districts outside Dhaka.
Earlier in the morning, it was learned that leaders of the Awami League and the 14-party alliance expressed their desire to hold discussions with the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Awami League leaders stated that three party representatives were tasked with the discussions. They are Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and Mahbubul Alam Hanif.
Party sources also mentioned that Rashed Khan Menon, President of the Workers Party of Bangladesh, and Hasanul Haq Inu, President of Jasad, were requested to join the discussions.
When contacted, Mahbubul Alam Hanif told Prothom Alo that they had not yet contacted the coordinators but would do so soon.
However, Abu Bakr Majumder, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told Prothom Alo, “There is no room for discussions now. Decisions will come from the streets.”
