Sarjis Alam says 'fight will go on' after returning from DB custody

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, shared his experiences and thoughts on social media following his release from custody by the Detective Branch (DB). In a Facebook status posted on Thursday evening, Alam detailed the hardships faced by students involved in the quota reform protests and criticized the authorities' response.

Alam's post expressed frustration and dismay over the treatment of students and teachers involved in the movement. He accused the authorities of breaking promises not to arrest or harass protesters, instead targeting university faculty and students with violence and legal actions. He specifically mentioned incidents of lathi charges on students across the country and the arbitrary arrest of individuals, including family members of those involved in the protests. Alam cited the case of Mashroor as an example of these tactics.

He also criticized the arrest and remand of Arif Sohail, a coordinator from Jahangirnagar University, in connection with an attack on Setu Bhaban in Mohakhali, despite the geographical discrepancy between the two locations. Alam highlighted the arbitrary nature of the arrests, noting that some students were taken directly from rickshaws or their homes and detained under questionable charges. He also condemned the assault on female students participating in the movement.

In his post, Alam addressed the police, clarifying that the protesters' anger is directed not at individual officers but at the misuse of police authority. He urged officers to join the movement for justice and truth, expressing a willingness to welcome them if they chose to do so.

Alam concluded his message by reaffirming the movement's commitment to its cause, stating that they are prepared to face any challenges in their pursuit of a safe and just Bangladesh. He emphasized that the struggle would continue until the country becomes a secure environment for all protesters.

The Facebook post came shortly after the release of six coordinators from DB custody earlier on Thursday. The released coordinators include Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr, Nusrat Tabassum, Sarjis Alam, and Hasnat Abdullah.

The anti-discrimination student movement, which has been at the forefront of the quota reform protests, continues to demand systemic changes and accountability for the actions taken against its members. The movement's leaders have called for an end to the repression of students and the recognition of their rights to protest peacefully.