Coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement have declared their intention to continue protesting despite a Supreme Court ruling on quota reforms. The organizers reached by BBC stated that their protests would persist until justice was served for the students who were killed during the peaceful demonstrations.
BBC Bangla contacted four coordinators, though attempts to reach others were unsuccessful. The coordinators themselves reported difficulties in communicating with all members.
The coordinators claimed that numerous protesters were killed to suppress the student movement, with two coordinators currently missing. They also alleged that the government had shut down internet services to obscure the true events.
Nusrat Tabassum, a coordinator of the quota movement, told BBC Bangla, “We applaud the court’s verdict. But our main demand is with the executive department. Until those demands are implemented, the ongoing nationwide shutdown will continue.”
The students’ demands include:
- Justice for the protesters who died in recent days
- Withdrawal of the Prime Minister’s speech
- Resignation of the Road Transport Minister and Home Minister
- Release of the anti-discrimination student movement coordinators
- Restoration of speedy internet service
- Ban on Chhatra League politics on campus
Some coordinators asserted that they would persist in their movement if these demands were not met. Quota movement coordinator Asadullah Al Ghalib told BBC Bangla, “Our demand has nothing to do with the court. The quota crisis must be resolved through the executive department.”
He further stated, “It is not possible to communicate with all of us. The three who went to talk to the government made their eight-point demand from a private place. But no decision has been made by the Central Anti-Discrimination Movement Committee. No eight-point or nine-point demands have been finalized.”
Another coordinator, Abdul Quader, mentioned, “The judgment of the Supreme Court seems unclear to us. There is no clear-cut solution for all types of quotas.”
Arif Sohail, another coordinator, added, “The internet system should be restored after releasing the arrested. We can then communicate and raise a collective claim.”
Govt welcomes Appellate Division verdict: Law Minister
The government has welcomed the verdict given by the Appellate Division on quota.
In a reaction after the verdict, Law Minister Anisul Haque told reporters, “We welcome this verdict. We think this judgment of the Appellate Division is a very prudent one.”
According to the order of the court, the notification will be issued as soon as possible. the right
“Tomorrow is a public holiday. Even if the notification is to be issued soon, it may take time by Tuesday,” said the law minister.
The Appellate Division has directed to appoint 93 percent of merit in government jobs from now on.
Apart from this, instructions have also been given regarding keeping quota for five percent freedom fighters, one percent minority ethnic group and remaining one percent for disabled and third gender.
However, the Appellate Division said that the government can reform them if it deems necessary.
“The Appellate Division has said this so that this judgment does not become a hindrance to any decision of the government in future.”
