The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has advanced its ‘March to Dhaka’ from August 6 to August 5. Asif Mahmood, a coordinator of the movement, announced this change in a statement released to the media on Sunday, August 4.
Mahmood explained, “In response to recent developments, we have decided to move the ‘March to Dhaka’ to August 5. We urge students and citizens nationwide to commence their journey to Dhaka starting tomorrow.”
He continued, “With nearly fifty lives lost today among students and citizens, it is crucial to take decisive action. We call on everyone from surrounding districts to head to Dhaka immediately. Those who can should start traveling to Dhaka today. Once in Dhaka, we expect freedom-loving individuals to occupy the streets. This is our opportunity to make a significant impact in this student-citizen uprising. Join us in Dhaka and contribute to the emergence of a new Bangladesh.”
Earlier, the movement had announced plans for August 5, including the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honor of fallen martyrs, a workers’ rally at 11 a.m., and a women’s rally at 5 p.m. in Shahbagh. The original schedule called for a nationwide call for students, citizens, and workers to gather in Dhaka on August 6 for the ‘Long March to Dhaka,’ which has now been moved forward by one day.
As of Sunday afternoon, August 4, the first day of the movement’s civil disobedience has resulted in 44 reported deaths across 14 districts. The casualties include two in Munshiganj, five in Magura, three in Pubna, three in Rangpur, seven in Sirajganj, one in Barishal, three in Bhola, two in Bogura, one in Joypurhat, five in Feni, three in Kishoreganj, one in Debidwar (Cumilla), six in Narsingdi, and two in Sylhet.
