Anti-Discrimination Student Movement pays homage at Shaheed Zia’s mausoleum

City Desk :

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, the platform that led the 2024 July Uprising, on Friday paid tribute at the mausoleum of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in the city’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on the occasion of the National Revolution and Solidarity Day.

Leaders and activists of the platform, led by its President Rifat Rashid, placed floral wreaths at the grave on Friday morning. Talking to reporters after placing the wreaths, Rifat Rashid said the homage was part of the organization’s vision for a “new political settlement” that transcends partisan lines, reports BSS.

“We pay tribute to all national leaders who fought for Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty and democracy,” he said. “Ziaur Rahman belonged to all people and all political elements. Our respect reflects that inclusive spirit.”

He added that Major Zia’s historic referendum had strengthened the democratic foundation of Bangladesh through people’s mandate. “He was a leader of all parties and all people and we remember his patriotism and sacrifice with deep respect,” he said.

“We believe national leaders should be honored by all, regardless of political differences,” he said, adding, “As a student platform born out of the July Revolution, we pay tribute to all who fought for freedom, sovereignty and democracy.”

Highlighting the current political climate, he said that creating artificial divisions between the armed forces and the people is a “dangerous fascist conspiracy” that must be resisted.
“Our goal is to bridge that gap and restore mutual trust and responsibility between the armed forces and the people,” Rashid said.

“November 7 reminds us that the true goal of students, the public and the military is one – to protect Bangladesh’s independence and ensure the safety of its people,” he said, adding, “History shows that when the people and the patriotic forces stood united, democracy advanced – and we want to resume that journey again.”

Rifat further emphasized that a referendum and a national election are two distinct processes with separate purposes and procedures. “They should not be confused or merged. Each must be conducted transparently and independently to reflect the people’s will,” he said.

Rashid expressed disappointment over the Consensus Commission’s recommendations, saying that many key stakeholders – including students, injured activists and families of July martyrs – were not consulted.

“The July Charter cannot be implemented without listening to those who sacrificed the most. True justice cannot be achieved unless the martyrs’ families, the injured and the students are heard,” he said.

Rifat Rashid called upon the interim government and all political parties to prioritize dialogue and national unity over confrontation.

“Our national interest is one. Through unity and coordination, we can find the right path for the nation. We are committed to justice for the injured and the families of martyrs and to preserving the aspirations of the July Revolution,” he said.