Citizens ready to defeat fascist forces
DU Correspondent :
The students and citizens of the nation have declared their readiness to suppress any form of conspiracy orchestrated by the defeated fascist forces of the Awami League (AL) in relation to the events surrounding 15th August.
This declaration was made by the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement during a harmony assembly held at the Shahbagh intersection in the capital on Wednesday.
The assembly saw participation from people of various religious groups, coordinators from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and representatives from other political parties.
Addressing the rally, Sarjis Alam, one of the coordinators, stated, “This is the place where we initiated our student movement. Since then, we have countered numerous coups, including military coups, judicial coups, and incidents of communal unrest. The fascists continue their attempts to destabilise the country.
If they try again and we catch them in the act, there will be no one to attend their Namaz-e-Janaza.”
He added, “Until we achieve a truly democratic government, we must remain prepared to take to the streets instantly to thwart the conspirators.”
Another coordinator, Hasnat Abdullah, addressed the crowd, saying, “Today, I stand here not to deliver a speech, but to take an oath from you all. In previous years, we were held hostage by the former government’s wings. They labelled us as Shibir and subjected us to brutal torture without any evidence.”
He appealed to the people, “If those vicious powers attempt to return to our country, will you allow it? My plea to you is to resist them strongly.”
The harmony assembly commenced with the recitation of the national anthem, with thousands in attendance, including a significant number of students, organised by ‘Ektar Bangladesh’. A minute of silence was observed to honour the martyrs, followed by an oath to build a nation founded on justice, equality, and human dignity.
Santosh Sharma, Editor and Publisher of the daily newspaper *Kalbela*, spoke at the rally, stating, “We, the minority, do not seek special rights. We want equal rights as citizens and impartial justice for all the injustices and attacks carried out against us over the previous years.”
Expressing gratitude to the Muslim brothers who have protected their temples, he added, “We all aspire to work together for a united Bangladesh.
However, it is unfortunate but true that in 52 years of independence, the Hindu community has yet to receive justice for any attack. This country is mine, ours. We do not wish to leave this country; we are a family.”
Al Mahdi, Assistant Professor of the Arabic Department at Dhaka University, remarked, “Over the last decade, we have witnessed repression and the politics of labelling.
During the previous Ramadan, when some students organised a Quran recitation programme on campus, the university authority initiated an inquiry into the family background of one of my students, Rafi, who was one of the organisers. But I resisted and did not allow the inquiry. We must rid ourselves of such a culture.”
Sadik Kayem, a member of the liaison committee, expressed his desire to build a Bangladesh where all citizens are united. He stated, “No one should be treated differently in this country.
The killer Hasina has fled, yet continues her conspiracies. She is attempting to manipulate the minority communities, but they have quickly realised her intentions.”
He urged the students to prevent any conspiracy strictly and immediately, using all their strength.
Following the harmony assembly, the students and citizens marched towards Rafa Plaza under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to observe ‘Resistance Week’ for the second day, honouring the martyrs who were killed during the movement.