[🇧🇩] Student Revolution: Lessons from Bangladesh

[Saif]

TRANSITION TO NEW BANGLADESH: The good, the bad and the ugly

BANGLADESH is faced with many tricky challenges in its quest for transition to a truly democratic system of governance. The student-led mass uprising of July-August 2024 forced Sheikh Hasina to flee the country after her 15-year iron-fisted rule, albeit under the façade of a democratic system of...

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TRANSITION TO NEW BANGLADESH: The good, the bad and the ugly
15 January, 2025, 00:00

New Age

Bangladesh is now at a crossroads. Politics as usual will only waste the victory of the people. The challenge in front of the interim government is to put Bangladesh back on the path of genuine democracy, writes Mohammad Zaman

BANGLADESH is faced with many tricky challenges in its quest for transition to a truly democratic system of governance. The student-led mass uprising of July-August 2024 forced Sheikh Hasina to flee the country after her 15-year iron-fisted rule, albeit under the façade of a democratic system of government. In 2021, when the country reached it 50-year milestone, many experts recognised the significant gains that her government achieved in infrastructure, economic growth, poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, longer life expectancy and literacy.

However, over the years, there was also extreme inequality in income, pounded by corruption, cronyism and almost complete disenfranchisement of the rights and representation of the people through sham elections.

As the leader of the party and the government, Hasina turned an autocrat and authoritarian ruler, ultimately running the country as a government of, what one analyst called, ‘Hasina League’ devoid of any participation and/or decision-making by the Awami League as the governing political party. She brought the party to her knees and forced party people to submit and remain subservient to her ego and wishes. The uprising, with demands for the abolition of quota for public jobs for the dependents of the 1971 war veterans, very quickly turned into a mass movement that brought down the Hasina government like a house of cards. The anger of the students and masses against Hasina that spilled onto the street in 2024 ultimately took a toll both on Sheikh Hasina and her legacy.

The sweeping reform agenda by the interim government of Dr Muhammad Yunus that replaced Sheikh Hasina’s seems ready to address the issues, with the hope for an inclusive and peaceful democratic transition. Indeed, the young student leaders, who led the mass movement, stated in clear terms to establish a new Bangladesh with democratic rights and freedom for all. The interim government has in less than six months arguably succeeded in bringing some stability, improved law and order and appointed commissions for the much-needed reforms to steer the country towards free and fair elections. In sum, the government has put the country on track although consistent high inflation is causing economic pain, with worker unrest in the garment sector remaining a major concern. Experts fear that soaring prices of food and fuel and a powerful syndicate controlling key sectors may block any meaningful economic and social transformation.

It appears that the interim government is trying to strike a balance between competing demands of various progressive forces and fundamentalist groups — both within and outside the government. The demand for elections by some political parties without real institutional reforms would not bring about any good for the country. As witnessed in the past, elections are not the ‘cure’ or remedy for all hurdles ahead. Despite this, many parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, are waiting in the wings for power. Amid the current politicking, right-wing zealots and fanatics who opposed the creation of Bangladesh are talking about ideological ‘re-branding’ of the country, with attacks on the Bengali identity and its images. Both Jamaat and Shibir, along with their allies, are trying to make a political comeback with an alternative Islamic model to rule the country. Their resurgence in politics during the transition is noticeable after a strict curb on its activities during the Hasina era.

Much to the dismay of many, the interim government has removed Sheikh Mujib’s picture from offices, signalling a shift and, perhaps, a new course without any baggage of the history and legacies of Bangladesh’s independence. The Bangladesh Bank has also taken a move to gradually phase out customary picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from currency notes. According to some experts, while Hasina’s government did excesses on ensuring Mujib’s seal on everything as the father of the nation, the removal of Sheikh Mujib’s picture shows the intent of the interim government, perhaps more so by a group of students, to crush every symbol of Bangladesh’s history. The government has already banned the Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League. Now, there is a call for banning the Awami League as a political party. There are reports of people being harassed for chanting Joy Bangla or victory for Bangladesh. At the same time, we hear a loud noise of Inqilab zindbad. Quite alarming, to say the least! Bangladesh in transition does not need a resurgent Jamaat politics.

The mass uprising was not to erase the history of Bangladesh, but to establish democracy and the rights of the people. The political development in the country sounds like erosion of Bangladesh’s history and legacy. These are ominous and alarming signs. The history of 1971 cannot be erased or rewritten. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a folk hero who, among others, inspired the Bengali nation to rise up against injustice, leading to the independence of the country. Analysts and political observers are of the view that any amount of vandalised and defaced statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cannot vilify or defame his legacy and footprint from Bangladesh’s history. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should not be judged by what the government of the Hasina League did. Sheikh Hasina and her cronies should be brought to justice for misdeeds, the abuse of power, corruption and the violation of rights. The Hasina government made a lot of mistakes. The Jamaat-e-Islami, which opposed the Bangladesh movement for independence, cannot make up for Hasina government’s past misdeeds.

Bangladesh is now at a crossroads. Politics as usual will only waste the victory of the people. The challenge in front of the interim government is to put Bangladesh back on the path of genuine democracy. What Bangladesh needs is a democratic governance model rooted in the ideal of justice, accountability and opportunities for all and yet honour the history, culture and identity of the country. The country is expecting the dawn of a new future.

Dr Mohammad Zaman is a writer and columnist.​

 

[Saif]

Will we have to remain satisfied with just Hasina’s fall?

The students feel that if a parliament is formed through an election under the existing constitution, there is no guarantee that it will reform or rewrite the constitution

en.prothomalo.com

Will we have to remain satisfied with just Hasina’s fall?
The students feel that if a parliament is formed through an election under the existing constitution, there is no guarantee that it will reform or rewrite the constitution
AKM Zakaria Contributor image
AKM Zakaria
Prothom Alo Deputy Editor
Updated: 15 Jan 2025, 15: 58

The autocratic rule of Sheikh Hasina's government was toppled in August last year by the student and general people's movement. AFP

Reforms, elections – and the politics over these issues – all seems to be in a state of confusion. The student community which led Hasina’s ouster, its associate and supporting political forces and the interim government – none seems to on the same page anymore.

The students want significant changes in the state and society. They feel that so many people did not sacrifice their lives just for a fresh election. They want to ensure a state structure where no autocratic rule like Hasina’s can rise up again. This requires certain reforms, including reforms of the constitution and the election system. They want to make sure of this before the election. The students feel that if a parliament is formed through an election under the existing constitution, there is no guarantee that it will reform or rewrite the constitution.

An autocratic leader like Sheikh Hasina was ousted at the cost of much bloodshed, but in literal terms, this cannot be called a revolution (though many feel that 5 August created possibilities of a revolution). But this was no typical uprising. The uprising of 1990 and the July uprising are not the same. Not so many people gave their lives in 1990, not so many people took to the streets. The July uprising had some elements of revolutionary zeal and stance. This uprising generated much aspiration among the students and the public. The students have the fear of a new election leading back to the old system and the people who took part in the uprising have similar apprehensions. Many have also been gripped with the fear that the mass uprising may ultimately fail.

In the meantime, the stand of BNP and certain other political parties who backed in the mass uprising, is different. They want elections soon, they want a framework for the election. They feel that the reforms or any other changes that are required, will be carried out by the elected government. They are putting pressure on the government in various way to hold the election very soon.

Meanwhile, chief advisor of the interim government Professor Muhammad Yunus in his 16 December speech announced a possible timeframe for the election. His government has several commissions for reforms. His government probably wanted to carry out reforms and hold the election. However, from his Victory Day address it is clear that he has moved away from his position.

Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “I have repeatedly appealed to you about completing all the major reforms and then going on to hold the election. But due to political consensus if, and I repeat ‘if’, we have to draw up an accurate voters list and hold the election, then perhaps it will be possible to hold the election towards the end of 2025. And if we add to a reasonable degree the reforms based on the recommendations of the electoral process and election reforms commission, then it may take at least another six months more. Broadly speaking, the date for the election can be fixed for the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026.”

Mistrust between the student community that led the mass uprising and the major political force that helped in organising the mass uprising, BNP, have made the political situation murky.

It is clear that he had come up with the possible timeframe for the elections following the demands of BNP and certain political parties. We recall that in an earlier interview he had said, a four-year term is being considered for the interim government and the term of any interim government should not be longer than that of an elected government. It was then assumed that the interim government’s term may be three to three and a half years.

There was no lack of clarity about the possible timeframe for the election in Professor Muhammad Yunus’ 16 December speech. He clearly said that the election would be held between the end of this year and the middle of 2026. He also announced the formation of a national consensus council to establish a consensus concerning the proposals being made by the reform commissions. He had given a roadmap for the elections to be held in the basis of consensus with the political parties. Professor Yunus’ speech, however, could not appease BNP. The party held a meeting and expressed their disappointment. BNP does not find the chief advisor’s election timeframe to be reasonable.

The BNP secretary general said. “We had hoped that the chief advisor would present a roadmap within a specific timeframe. He did not do so. This has disappointed us to an extent and, at the same time, has disappointed the nation. Why is BNP disappointed? It is clear that BNP is filled with various apprehensions. They cannot place their full confidence in this announcement. BNP is an old political party and they will not have unfounded concerns. There must be reasons for their concern.

Over the past few months BNP leaders have been referring to the minus theory, depoliticisation and such. Only recently BNP’s standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, minus two aspirations will never be fulfilled. He said, election is the first step to establishing democracy in Bangladesh. Election is the first reform. He said, “Those who talk about minus two here, are voicing their wishful thinking. That will never be fulfilled. Ershad failed to do that, and this couldn’t be done in 1/11. And BNP is now stronger than ever. It cannot be wiped out.”

It is clear that BNP is apprehensive about the depolticisation of the political minus theory. They even believe that there is a certain quarter actively working to eliminate them. The fallen Awami League and its allies parties are not longer in the political field. BNP is now the largest active political party in the country. A distance may have grown with Jamaat, but in the new circumstances new allies have emerged. The question is, being the largest political party in the country, why does BNP have any apprehensions? Who can be such a big and powerful opponent that can cause BNP concern?

The students who led the mass uprising are now in the process of forming a political party. The present interim government was formed at their behest. They have representation in this government too. At the same time they criticise the government on various issues and put pressure on the government too. The relationship between the students and the government is unclear. But many feel that the formation of a political party by the students is an attempt to create a King’s Party. There are also allegations of the involvement of the intelligence in creating the new political party. There are questions about their source of funds. All this is possibly a cause of concern for BNP.

Differences over various issues, suspicions and mistrust between the student community that led the mass uprising and the major political force that helped in organising the mass uprising, BNP, have made the political situation. Unless a consensus is established on a minimum number of issues at least, uncertainty will simply increase in the country’s political arena. One cannot discard the students’ apprehensions that elections without reforms may simply be a return to the old trend of politics. That’s what past experience says. As it is, extortion has simply changed hands. Forced occupation and control of various areas continues all over the country. At the same time, BNP’s apprehensions will not dissipate unless there is transparency in the process of the students forming a political party, the role of the government or intelligence agencies, their source of income, etc.

The topple of Sheikh Hasina in the mass uprising is certainly a huge achievement, but this should not be the only achievement. If the student community that led the mass uprising and the assisting political parties cannot maintain a unity, then we will simply have to be satisfied with the fall of Hasina. The aspirations for a new state that emerged among the students and the general people, will remain a pipe dream.

* AKM Zakaria is deputy editor of Prothom Alo.

* This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Ayesha Kabir​

 

[Saif]

July proclamation after intensive discussions: Asif Nazrul

He said all the leaders who joined today's meeting had told them to take time to prepare the documentation

www.thedailystar.net

July proclamation after intensive discussions: Asif Nazrul

File photo: STAR

The July proclamation will be made after intensive discussions with all the stakeholders of the uprising, including all political parties, said Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul.

He said all the leaders who joined today's meeting had told them to take time to prepare the documentation.

"They advised us to take the time required to reach consensus among the stakeholders, but it should not be time wasted," he said, adding that they have taken the suggestions today.

In the meeting with the chief adviser regarding the formation of the July proclamation, most of the forces in favour of the July uprising and political parties including BNP, Jamaat, Ganatantra Mancha and Nagorik Committee joined, he said at a briefing after the meeting.

"All of them said that such documentation is necessary. Consensus was created to form the proclamation where everyone's contributions must be properly acknowledged, the continuity of the uprising must be properly mentioned. The political or legal nature of the documentation should be clarified," he added.

He said, further discussions are needed in this regard. "The national unity should be the same as it was achieved through the July uprising, which led to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina."

During today's meeting, some suggested forming a committee to carry forward the decisions, he said, adding that they found no distance among the political parties. "The only difference among them is the method of further discussions they proposed."

"We will consider all the proposals and will make a decision within a short time," he added.​

 

[Saif]

'A staged drama'

Say 12-party alliance; CPB and BSD boycott proclamation dialogue

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'A staged drama'
Say 12-party alliance; CPB and BSD too boycott proclamation dialogue

Photo: Sajjad Hossain/Star

Leaders from 14 political parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), and the 12-party alliance, today boycotted a dialogue with various political groups held to discuss the proclamation of July uprising.

The parties cited inadequate time, lack of proper preparations, and a problem with the invitation process as reasons for their absence in the meeting.

Meanwhile the 12-party alliance at a press conference termed the process of conducting the discussion a "staged drama."

The all-party meeting, aimed at finalising the proclamation of the July uprising, was held at 4:30pm at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Leaders of 16 parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, and Jatiya Nagorik Committee participated in the discussion.

However, in a statement, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince said he received an anonymous text message about the meeting at 1:29pm today, just hours before the meeting.

"The message requested us to send a representative to share our perspective on a draft proclamation, but it is unrealistic to consult our alliance and other democratic groups on such an important matter within such a short time," he said.

"Considering these, the CPB decided not to attend the meeting," he added.

Talking to The Daily Star, Razekuzzaman Ratan, assistant general secretary of BSD, said, "Proper preparation was essential. It is doubtful whether the invitation was even formal. Without adequate preparation, we cannot present our opinions."

The 12-party alliance, who previously organised joint movements with the BNP against the ousted Awami League government, expressed frustration over the meeting invitation.

"We believe a staged drama is being performed at the Foreign Service Academy today," said Syed Ehsanul Huda, coordinator of the alliance, during a press conference.

Shahadat Hossain Selim, spokesperson for the alliance, has criticised the government for its handling of the invitation process.

"If an all-party meeting is to be held, those who have fought for 16 years should be prioritised. They deserve a formal invitation, not an SMS sent at 10:00pm. A state cannot operate this way," he said.

The 12-party alliance includes a faction of Jatiya Party, LDP-Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party, and Bangladesh Labour Party, among others.​

 

[Saif]

JULY UPRISING PROCLAMATION: Political parties suggest draft committee

Political parties on Thursday urged the interim government to form a committee to prepare the text of the July uprising proclamation on the basis of a consensus through detailed discussion with all anti-fascist forces...

www.newagebd.net

JULY UPRISING PROCLAMATION: Political parties suggest draft committee
Staff Correspondent 17 January, 2025, 00:09

Chief adviser Muhammad Yunus holds a meeting regarding the formulation of the July proclamation with leaders of different political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday. | Focus Bangla photo

Political parties on Thursday urged the interim government to form a committee to prepare the text of the July uprising proclamation on the basis of a consensus through detailed discussion with all anti-fascist forces.

At a meeting with the chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, leaders of the political parties also proposed that the government, based on the consensus, would have to decide whether it would be a proclamation or declaration and what would be its legal significance.

The government held the meeting with political parties at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital on the draft of the July uprising proclamation.

Most of the political parties and forces in favour of the July uprising, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the Bangladesh Jaamat-e-Islami, the Ganatantra Mancha and the Nagorik Committee, joined the meeting.

Leaders from 14 political parties, including the Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal and the 12-party alliance, skipped the meeting, citing reasons such as inadequate time, lack of proper preparations, and issues with the invitation process.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus told the meeting that the interim government would take the nation forward through unity.

He said, ‘...because the government was born amid unity; it was created through unity. When we work alone and see no one is beside us, we feel a bit weak. And when you all sit together, we get courage in mind that we remain united. We were born amid unity and unity is our strength.’

Yunus said that the government was rejuvenated through unity.

He recalled a moment when the student leaders of the July revolution approached him, expressing their intention to make a declaration—the July Proclamation.

‘I tried to understand what kind of proclamation they were planning. I told them it wouldn’t happen as they envisioned it,’ the chief adviser said.

He advised the students to involve all stakeholders of the July revolution in the process of the preparation of the proclamation.

The chief adviser highlighted that the purpose of the meeting was to finalise the July Proclamation with collective agreement. He stated that if a consensus could not be achieved, there would be no need to announce it.

Following the meeting, BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said that they questioned the necessity of announcing the July proclamation five months after the mass uprising.

‘If there is any necessity, we must first determine the political, historical, and legal significance of the declaration so that no division can arise among the anti-fascist forces while preparing the proclamation,’ he said.

If a political document becomes a historical one, the BNP certainly respects that document, Salahuddin said.

The BNP leader said that he discussed at the meeting the significant challenge of moving the nation forward through unity among the anti-fascist forces.

Jaamat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said that they agreed about the July Proclamation and the document should be prepared based on the opinions from all the parties.

The meeting did not reach a decision on the proclamation, but it resolved to hold further discussions on the issue.

Golam Parwar stated that his party had received a draft of the proclamation from the government but they could not thoroughly review the text due to time constraints.

The meeting discussed forming a committee to prepare an initial version of the proclamation, he said.

All parties will then provide their input on the draft and ultimately, a final version will be prepared, incorporating the chronology of Bangladesh’s history, the Jammat leader said.

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki said that they discussed the possibility of the announcement of a declaration that would reflect the aspirations of the people and uphold the spirit of the July uprising.

The government will have to determine the nature of the announcement, whether it would be a proclamation or a declaration, and what would be its legal aspects, he said.

Saki said that the meeting decided to form a committee and the committee would prepare a declaration through discussions with all the anti-fascist forces.

At a briefing after the meeting, law adviser Asif Nazrul said that as per the discussion of the meeting further meetings on the July uprising proclamation would take place and a committee might be formed to take the work forward.

He said that all the parties agreed on the formulation of the July Uprising Proclamation and the parties suggested that in essence, everyone’s contribution should be mentioned in the declaration and it should be clarified what the political or legal nature of the declaration will be.

Asif Nazrul said that more emphasis was placed on formulating the declaration through unanimous agreement, achieved by engaging in discussions with political forces, students and the public supporting the July uprising.

‘As much time as necessary can be taken for this process. However, there should be no unnecessary delays or time wastage. Everyone has agreed that such a declaration should be crafted through more intensive discussions, ensuring a consensus,’ he said.

Responding to a question Asif Nazrul said that no distance was created with political parties regarding the July proclamation rather there were merely differing opinions on how this should be done.

‘We see no signs of disagreement; instead, everyone has expressed that this declaration should reflect collective ownership,’ he added.

Earlier on December 30, the government announced that they would prepare the July Uprising Proclamation with a consensus as the Students Against Discrimination decided to announce a proclamation of the uprising at Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on December 31.

Following the government announcement the student leaders turned their programme to ‘March for Unity’ and demanded July proclamation from the government by January 15.​

 

[Saif]

UN fact-finding report on July-August uprising by mid-February: Volker Türk

He assures full support while meeting Yunus on sidelines of WEF

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UN fact-finding report on July-August uprising by mid-February: Volker Türk
He assures full support while meeting Yunus on sidelines of WEF

Photo: Collected

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk yesterday announced that the UN fact-finding mission report on the atrocities during the July-August uprising is in its final stages and will be released by mid-February.

The high commissioner made these remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, as reported by the press wing of the Chief Adviser's Office.

Volker Türk mentioned that the report would be shared with the Bangladesh side before its publication from the UN Human Rights Office in Geneva.

Yunus expressed gratitude to the UN rights office for investigating the crimes committed during the student-led uprising. He also said that reports from six major independent commissions would be released around the same time, which could serve as complementary sources of information.

During the meeting, Yunus sought Türk's support in resolving the worsening Rohingya crisis, highlighted by the recent influx of tens of thousands of refugees from Myanmar.

Türk assured his full support, noting ongoing discussions with stakeholders, including UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop.

Yunus suggested the creation of a UN-overseen safe zone in Myanmar's Rakhine State to prevent further Rohingya displacement. He also referred to the upcoming high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis, emphasising its role in drawing global attention to one of the worst humanitarian crises.

Türk agreed on the importance of the conference in restoring the international community's focus on the Rohingya issue.

The meeting was attended by Lamiya Morshed, SDG Coordinator of the Bangladesh Government, and Tareq Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's Permanent Ambassador to Geneva.​

 

[Saif]

July Uprising Exhibition: ‘Such event should be organised for next generation too’

Prothom Alo organised the July Uprising Exhibition at the National Art Gallery of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

en.prothomalo.com

July Uprising Exhibition: ‘Such event should be organised for next generation too’
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 26 Jan 2025, 23: 11

People visit the July Uprising Exhibition at the National Art Gallery of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital’s Segun Bagicha on 26 January 2025. Prothom Alo organised the event, which will end on 31 January.DIpu Malakar

Expatriate Sajjad Hossain, from Sandwaip, Chattogram, was seen standing in the ‘Shaeed Corner’ set up with regular usable items of the martyrs at the July Uprising Exhibition.

He returned home from Portugal in June last year but he was unaware of many big events of the student moment as he was staying home. Eventfully, he learned everything.

Asked on his experience at the exhibition, Sajjad Hossain said he visited the event after learning about it online. “I now regret that I should have brought my family too. Everyone could have learned many things. Many memorable things of the martyrs are giving me goosebumps. Prothom Alo tried to present the event as much as they could.”

Sadia Hasan, from the capital’s Dhamondi, studies A Level. She said, “I learned the entire history in a brief as all important and informative events have been included here. Those who are at a young age, I mean such exhibitions should be held for the next generation too. They should learn how students waged the movement by giving their lives.”

Prothom Alo organised the July Uprising Exhibition at the National Art Gallery of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital’s Segun Bagicha to highlight the events of the July 2024 mass uprising.

The event featuring other arrangements will end on 31 January.

Four students of Mohammadpur Central Colleges were seen looking curiously at various photos at the event.

Asked how they feel, one of them Omar Rafi said, “I saw many pictures taken before 5 August in big frames and it is a different feeling. The lesson of this movement is what students can do if they want. Visiting here, I have felt that time again.”

Wishing anonymity, a female student said, “I thank the organisers for presenting the movement in such a way.”

The ‘Sotto Totthe July (July in true information)’ part of the exhibition includes newspapers and reports; the “Camerai Bidroho (Revolt in camera)’ and “July-Jagorn (July uprising)’ parts features photography; the ‘Roktakto Smarok (Blood souvenir) part displays lethal bullets, rubber bullets, grenade pins, tear shell canisters used by police during the movement; the ‘Abu Sayed: Andolon O Shilper Protik (Abu Sayed: Movement and symbol of art) part features artworks on Abu Sayed by artist Shaeed Kabir, painting equipment and video on artwork makings.

Besides, online reports, interviews and videos published in Prothom Alo during the movement were being screened in two rooms.

Ahamadullah, a senior teacher, was looking at everything at the event. He told Prothom Alo, “It feels good that the timeframe of July-August has been presented well but more pictures on torture of students could be added. Perhaps, those images are not included as they are sensitive.”

Russian citizen Kasparov visited the exhibition in the afternoon. He said, “We mainly came to learn the culture and history of other countries. This movement was a part of your lives and we learned about it too.”​

 

[Saif]

Sarjis Alam injured in car accident

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, was injured in a private car accident in Dhaka University area last night

www.thedailystar.net

Sarjis Alam injured in car accident

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, was injured in a private car accident in Dhaka University area last night.

The accident took place in front of the British Council on Fuller Road on Dhaka University campus around 9:15pm. Later, he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment.

Shuvo Howlader, a student of Amar Ekushey Hall of Dhaka University, brought Sarjis Alam to the hospital.

He told Prothom Alo that Sarjis Alam was driving a private car towards Bangla Motor through the Dhaka University campus. As the car approached the British Council, a child suddenly ran into its path. In an attempt to stop abruptly, the car braked hard and crashed into the road divider.

Sarjis had a cut next to his left eye. There was also a minor head injury. He was taken home after first aid.

Inspector Md Faruk, in charge of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital Police Outpost, said Sarjis received primary treatment at DMCH. The doctor said his injuries were not serious.​

 

[Saif]

Protesters call off demo near home adviser’s residence

Demonstrators alleged that he failed to prevent attacks on students in Noakhali's Hatiya

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Protesters call off demo near home adviser’s residence

Photo: Screengrab from Facebook Live

Protesters called off the demo near home adviser's residence early today after assurances from the government.

Earlier, demonstrators marched towards the home adviser's residence with the intent to besiege it, protesting his alleged inaction in preventing attacks on students in Noakhali's Hatiya.

Around 12:30am, the protesters, led by Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organiser of Students Against Discrimination, left Rupayan Tower in Banglamotor for the Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury's residence, breached police barricade and took position near Minto Road.

On Facebook live, he was seen protesting at Banglamotor with a group.

Photo: Screengrab from Facebook Live

Around 2:45am, Youth and Sports Advisers Asif Mahmud went to the spot to reassure the protesters.

Addressing the crowd, he said, "Law enforcement is better now that what it was previously. We are trying to improve law and order situation in the country. We request you to help us and law enforcers in maintaining peace."

He said he will discuss today's incident in Hatiya with the home adviser. Following this, the protesters left the spot.

Earlier last night, Masud made three Facebook posts starting from 11:00pm, calling students to join him at the protest.

In his first post, he said former MP Mohammad Ali's men have fired at students from his residence at his hometown in Hatiya.

In his second post, Masud wrote, "I am heading to the home affairs adviser's residence and will stay there from 12:30am. They will sleep while Awami League's thugs open fire on students. Those who want to join me, come."

Referring to home adviser's inaction, he said Mohammad Ali's den, full of arms, is right beside the Navy camp in Hatiya.​

 

[Saif]

Some forces of mass uprising now engaging in extortion: Nahid

Talking about the current political scenario, Nahid commented on the division among the forces of the mass uprising

www.thedailystar.net

Some forces of mass uprising now engaging in extortion: Nahid

Nahid Islam

Though the uprising initially united diverse groups with a shared goal of reform, many are now prioritising their own interests over the national interest, Information Adviser Nahid Islam today.

Nahid, a key leader of the anti-discrimination student movement during the mass uprising, gave an exclusive interview to BSS on the completion of six months of the interim government.

Talking about the current political scenario, Nahid commented on the division among the forces of the mass uprising.

Expressing frustration, he said this fragmentation had hindered progress on critical issues, particularly in terms of political unity.

"The unity that once existed has been diluted," he said, acknowledging that this lack of cohesion poses a significant challenge to the government's reform efforts.

"I do not believe unity has been entirely lost. We are continuing to engage in discussions to resolve disagreements and avoid returning to the divisive practices of the past.

"There are elements within the political sphere who are still involved in extortion, and some of the individuals who participated in the uprising are now engaged in such activities," he said.

The issue of reform versus elections has also been a contentious subject, with opposition parties, particularly the BNP calling for early elections, Nahid said adding that the government does not view reform and elections as mutually exclusive but rather as complementary objectives.

Commenting on media freedom, Islam categorically said the government has not interfered with the media's right to freely criticise its policies.

"So far, no pressure has been given on the media for criticising the government," Nahid said.

However, he pointed out that when the government supports the concept of free media, it has asked the press to be mindful when reporting on sensitive issues like banned student organisations and individuals involved in criminal activities.

Nahid, also the posts and telecommunication adviser, acknowledged that some media outlets had become targets of social pressure and protests, but he stressed that law enforcement agencies and the government has intervened to ensure their safety.

Despite these challenges, Nahid emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to fostering a free and open media environment.

"The government encourages constructive criticism and has already implemented changes based on media feedback. We welcome logical criticism, and we will continue to make adjustments to our policies," he said.

He also said that the role of the media has sometimes been compromised by political alignments in the past, with some outlets failing to maintain objectivity.

Nahid urged journalists to clarify the pressures they have faced, which, in his view, would help rebuild trust among the people.

He said the interim government is committed to fulfil people's aspirations despite different types of challenges coming up, including economic and political.

"Amidst the evolving political landscape and as a part of the mass uprising, the government remains dedicated in maintaining stability, fostering unity, and addressing pressing concerns," he told BSS.

He said, "We are committed to overcoming political challenges and creating a future that aligns with the people's wishes."

The government's journey in the last six months has been tough as it had to face both internal and external conspiracies. It had to manage more than 100 movements while facing continued political pressure and dealing with economic hardships and the broken state structure, Nahid said.

Despite obstacles, Nahid expressed confidence that with continued dialogue, cooperation, and political goodwill, the six-month-old government, could achieve the change the nation so desperately seeks.

"The road ahead will not be smooth, but with the right support, the interim government hopes to lay the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for the country," added Nahid, also the posts and telecommunication adviser.

Nahid said a major public concern has been the government's handling of economic issues like rising prices of essentials, improving law and order, and ensuring trial of murderers.

"When we took over, the administration was in disarray. The bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies were in a state of chaos, and we had to rebuild those. It was not an easy task.

"The previous administration's practices, particularly the widespread extortion and corruption, had created long-standing problems that will not disappear overnight," Nahid said.

"The reform commissions are working to bring necessary changes to the electoral and governance systems. These reforms must be implemented before elections... Otherwise, the mistakes of the past will be repeated," he said.​

 

[Saif]

We must eliminate criminals from Bangladesh: Sarjis

He emphasised that the "Clean Bangladesh Operation" should not be a brief arrest campaign

www.thedailystar.net

We must eliminate criminals from Bangladesh: Sarjis

Sarjis Alam, a key coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, today called for a crackdown on terrorism in the country.

He emphasised that the "Clean Bangladesh Operation" should not be a brief arrest campaign.

Within the next few days, we want to see all criminals, who occasionally surface on social media and other places, behind bars," Sarjis said while addressing a rally in Gazipur.

The rally was held on Rajbari Road in Gazipur city this afternoon to protest the attack on leaders and activists of the organisation last night.

Fifteen people were injured in Gazipur yesterday when locals confronted a group of protesters who tried to vandalise the ancestral home of former Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque.

He demanded arrest of those involved in last night's attack.

"The home ministry has already informed us that 16 individuals have been arrested. We are awaiting a press briefing from the ministry on the overall situation today. We no longer believe in promises; we want to see implementation. We will remain here, monitoring the administration's actions until our demands are met and the terrorists are imprisoned," Sarjis declared.

Sarjis also said if someone tries to lay a hand on any of their comrades anywhere, the entire Bangladesh will wake up again.

"If they break our barrier of patience, you will see a new revolution in Bangladesh," he said.​

 

[Saif]

গাজীপুরে বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্রদের সমাবেশ থেকে আওয়ামী লীগ নেতাদের সম্পত্তি জব্দ করার দাবি​