Staff Reporter with DU Correspondent :
Students, representing the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and supported by people from various walks of life and professions, have issued a single-point demand for the resignation of the government to safeguard lives and establish justice in society.
Addressing a large gathering at the Central Shaheed Minar, an emblem of resistance against oppression and anarchy, on Saturday, Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the movement, called for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the dismantling of the current government.
“To ensure the safety of people’s lives and establish justice in society, we have decided on a single-point demand, the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the removal of this government and fascism,” Nahid stated.
Speaking through a microphone, Nahid added, “We will soon announce a united front for a student-citizen uprising, involving citizens of all levels, student organisations, and professionals.
Through discussions with all stakeholders, we will present a national roadmap for the future of Bangladesh.”
Nahid emphasised, “It is not just Sheikh Hasina who must resign but the entire government, including the cabinet, must step down.
This fascist regime must be dismantled. Our goal is to build a Bangladesh where no form of autocracy or fascism can ever return.”
He urged the public to join the spontaneous student-citizen uprising and organise within their local communities.
Additionally, Nahid announced the launch of an ‘all-out non-cooperation’ movement starting on Sunday to press their single-point demand.
The student movement began on July 1, with demands for quota reforms in government jobs.
Clashes on July 16 resulted in the deaths of six individuals, which escalated the movement. Since then, the conflict has led to 216 deaths and numerous injuries, though the government reports a death toll of around 150.
Initially, the Student Movement platform had issued a nine-point demand, including trials for those responsible for the killings and the reopening of educational institutions.
However, the focus has now shifted to a single demand, the resignation of the Awami League government.
Saturday’s rally at the Central Shaheed Minar saw at least six key coordinators in attendance, including Nahid Islam, Sarjish Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Abu Baker Mojumder, and Abdul Kader.
The Central Shaheed Minar and its surrounding areas were filled with tens of thousands of protesters, united in their call for government resignation.
The demonstrators, braving light rain, were seen singing revolutionary songs and chanting slogans, with the area vibrating from continuous calls including “One point, one demand, Resignation, Resignation,” and “Step Down Hasina.”
The protest commenced around 2:30pm as students and members of the public began gathering at the Shaheed Minar in groups. As time passed, the number of demonstrators surged significantly.
The mass mobilisation led to the occupation of various streets across the capital, resulting in a suspension of traffic for several hours.
The crowd overflowed from the Shaheed Minar area to Chankharpool, Doyel Chattar, Jagannath Hall Intersection, and extended to Sheikh Russell Tower at Dhaka University.
Notably, several rickshaw drivers also joined the protest, participating enthusiastically in the chants.
The intensity of the chanting mirrored the growing fervour among the crowd.
Protesters were heard chanting powerful slogans such as “My brother is in the grave, why is the killer outside?” “Justice, justice, we want justice,” “We have shed blood, we will shed more,” “Set fire to the seat of autocracy together,” “Burn; burn, set the fire,” and “Storm in my heart, shoot me if you dare.”
Earlier in the day, as part of the pre-announced programme, protesters began assembling at various points across the capital from morning. They then set out in a procession towards the Shaheed Minar.
By 2:30pm, protesters who had previously blockaded the Science Lab area lifted the blockade and proceeded towards the Central Shaheed Minar. They were joined by students, teachers, guardians, freedom fighters, and their families.
At the main pedestal of the Shaheed Minar and the surrounding streets, freedom fighters chanted alongside the students and their guardians. “We are demanding the resignation of the government at this moment because we will not get justice for our brothers’ killers under this government.
Many of our brothers have been killed by police bullets. Only the resignation of the government will ensure justice for these murders,” said a participating student.
In a show of solidarity, musicians gathered at Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi before marching to the Shaheed Minar. There, they voiced their support for the protesting students, condemning the arrest of prominent young rapper Hannan.
At around 3pm, they assembled at Rabindra Sarobar with the slogan “Get Up, Stand Up” before proceeding towards the Central Shaheed Minar.
The protests, which have gained traction across Bangladesh, are also spreading internationally. Demonstrations are continuing in countries including the US and UK.
International bodies such as the UN and the EU are calling for an independent investigation into the situation and urging the Bangladeshi government to refrain from mass arrests and harassment of its citizens.