Staff Reporter :
Coordinators of the ‘Anti-discrimination Student Movement’ have issued a call for all protesters to focus on protecting the country and to avoid violence.
In a live interview on a private television channel in Dhaka on Monday evening, Nahid Islam, one of the movement’s coordinators, emphasised the need for restraint. “We have to protect this country. All of this state’s assets and properties belong to the people,” Islam stated.
Addressing the recent unrest and instances of vandalism, Islam urged protesters to avoid violence, attacks, looting, and vandalism. He said, “We urge the protesters to take positions on the roads in Dhaka in a peaceful manner until we
receive the final announcement regarding the new government.”
Islam reiterated the movement’s primary demand: “Our one-point demand was the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the abolishment of the fascist system. Sheikh Hasina has resigned, but the fascist state system is still in place. Our final victory will be achieved through the abolishment of the fascist system.”
He further explained that an interim government would be formed through discussions with representatives from all sectors of society and political leaderships.
Another coordinator, Asif Mahmud, expressed confidence in the movement’s goals, “We were sure of our victory when we first announced our one-point demand. We are assured of making our partial victory into a total victory.”
He added, “The student-public will remain on the streets in Dhaka until that is achieved. The movement will continue until then.”
In a related development, the University Teachers’ Network also issued a plea for peace. At a press briefing held at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen at 5:55pm on Monday, they called for an end to looting, vandalism, arson, and attacks on minority groups and their religious establishments.
Professor Samina Lutfa from Dhaka University urged all citizens to preserve state properties, including Gana Bhaban and the Parliament Bhaban, and to ensure the safety of all individuals regardless of their caste, creed, or colour. “We need to protect the properties of the state and ensure the safety of everyone,” she said.