Abu Jakir :
The anti-discrimination student movement has escalated its demands by rejecting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s call for dialogue and instead demanding the resignation of the current government.
This dramatic shift from reform to a call for the Prime Minister’s resignation reflects the intensifying nature of the protests sweeping across the country.
Originally focused on advocating for quota reforms, the student-led movement has seen its demands escalate amid increasing national unrest.
The situation has become increasingly volatile, marked by violent clashes involving students, law enforcement, and supporters of the ruling Awami League party.
Nahid Islam, coordinator of the student platform leading the anti-discrimination protests, made a decisive announcement shifting the movement’s focus to a singular demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday.
Speaking at a mass gathering held at the central Shaheed Minar on the Dhaka University campus, Islam’s proclamation has further fuelled unrest and tensions across the country.
Reports indicate that Dhaka, along with other regions of Bangladesh, is experiencing heightened volatility.
There have been numerous incidents of chase-and-counter-chase between students, the public, and law enforcement, with hundreds reported injured in the ongoing clashes.
The atmosphere across the nation remains tense as the protests continue to escalate.
In response to the mounting crisis, the ruling Awami League has announced plans to counter the student movement with its own series of demonstrations.
Starting Sunday, the party intends to organise gatherings across all wards of the capital as well as in districts and cities nationwide.
This move is aimed at asserting the party’s presence and countering the protests, potentially further intensifying the current unrest.
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader revealed the party’s strategy during a press conference held at the Awami League president’s office in Dhanmondi on Saturday afternoon.
He outlined plans for a mourning procession scheduled for Monday, which will commence from the Engineering Institution and proceed to Bangabandhu Bhaban.
“The gatherings will be held in all wards of Dhaka city and in districts and cities across the country.
We will hold a mourning procession from the Engineering Institution to Bangabandhu Bhaban on August 5,” Quader announced.
In a disturbing development, at least five students sustained bullet wounds during an attack by Jubo League members on a student procession in Cumilla. The incident took place in the Racecourse area of the city around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday.
The attacks, followed by subsequent clashes, resulted in a total of 27 injuries, including those sustained by the five students.
As the situation continues to unfold, the nation’s political landscape remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.
In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended an olive branch to the agitating students. She invited them to a dialogue at her official residence, Ganabhaban, aiming to address their grievances and resolve the ongoing violence related to the quota reform movement.
“The door of Ganabhaban is open. I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them.
I want no conflict,” the Prime Minister expressed during a meeting with the central leaders of the Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad (Professionals Coordination Council) at Ganabhaban.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the release of detained students and pledged to ensure justice for those who lost their lives during the anti-quota movement. “The trial of each of the killings must be held,” she asserted.
Reiterating her willingness to engage in dialogue, Prime Minister Hasina emphasised, “I am still willing to hold talks if the agitators want.
They can come any time to Ganabhaban, even with their guardians.” She stressed her openness to dialogue, saying she eagerly awaited hearing the students’ demands.
“I want to hear their demands. We will do our best to implement them. I don’t want this conflict,” she said.
The Prime Minister noted that the main demand for quota reform has already been met.
She has also instructed the release of innocent people, including general students, who were jailed.
“I have already asked for the release of innocent people and students who were not involved in the killings and destruction.
This process has started,” she stated. She added that the detained HSC students have already been released.