Announcement of new program of anti-discrimination student movement

The anti-discrimination student movement, a key player in the ongoing quota reform protests, has announced a new program aimed at mobilizing widespread support. The program, set for Friday, August 2, includes visits to graves, prayers at mosques and other religious sites, and a mass procession of students and the public after Friday prayers.

Abdul Quader, one of the movement's coordinators, shared the details in the Telegram group "Kota Punarbahal Nai" at 5:40 pm on Thursday. The statement called on workers, professionals, cultural workers, media workers, human rights advocates, intellectuals, scholars, and citizens from all walks of life in Bangladesh to participate in and support the 'Prayer and Student Mass March' program.

The organizers urged imams and khatibs of mosques to speak out against the injustices from the pulpit. They appealed to the teachers and students of madrasas, describing them as the nation's backbone, to join the protest and not remain passive during this critical time. They specifically called for protests against mass killings and arrests, emphasizing a nine-point demand.

The statement condemned recent attacks on university faculty and students, highlighting an incident involving police aggression against Shehrin Amin Monami and Nusrat Jahan Chowdhury, respected teachers from the Public Administration Department of Dhaka University. The movement criticized these actions as part of a broader pattern of inhumane treatment, including the arrest of numerous students and former social service secretary of Daksu, Akter Hossain. Many students reportedly remain in jail or under remand, while others suffer injuries, with some facing the possibility of lifelong disabilities.

"This movement is not for any personal interest; our movement is for the liberation of you and your children," the statement asserted, questioning why participants were being targeted for seeking constitutional rights. The leaders vowed to continue their efforts until justice is achieved for the victims of the crackdown.

The program, titled 'Prayer-Grave Visitation and Student Mass March,' seeks to honor those martyred, injured, crippled, or arrested in the movement. The organizers have called for a unified response to these grievances, urging the public to join in the nationwide activities on Friday.

This new initiative by the anti-discrimination student movement underscores the ongoing tension and demands for change in Bangladesh's socio-political landscape, as activists continue to push for reforms and accountability.