A coalition of left-leaning student organizations under the banner of Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote staged a protest march and rally at Dhaka University on Wednesday, raising a four-point demand that included opposition to an “unequal” trade agreement, resolution of the fuel crisis, action against mob violence, and protection of farmers’ irrigation access.
The march began around 4:20pm from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) area and moved through different parts of the campus before concluding with a rally at the same venue.
The program was chaired by Jabir Ahmed Jubel, central coordinator of Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote and general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Moitree, while Mozammel Haq, convener of the Dhaka University unit of the Socialist Student Front (Marxist), conducted the proceedings.
In their written demands, the alliance called for an immediate resolution of the ongoing fuel shortage and irrigation problems faced by farmers, impartial investigation and trial under anti-terrorism laws for all incidents of mob violence and killings—including the case of Shamim Al Sureshwari—and the release of Imi, detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and Bishwanath Mohanta, arrested on what they described as false charges linked to the anti-fascist movement.
They also demanded ensuring freedom of expression, trial of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others over what they termed the July mass killing, and an immediate halt to military operations in the hill tracts along with political killings.
Speaking at the rally, Jubel criticised ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, alleging that major political parties had endorsed the deal while the interim government was rushing to sign it.
“Both BNP and Jamaat have endorsed this deal, and we saw how desperately the interim government rushed to sign it. Who suffers the consequences? Certainly not those in parliament—they are busy securing air-conditioned offices, cars, and perks,” he said.
Referring to the fuel situation, Naeem Uddin, vice-president of the central committee of Biplobi Chhatra Jubo Andolon, highlighted hardships faced by farmers.
“Farmers need fuel for irrigation, but we see long queues at fuel pumps. Meanwhile, political parties remain engaged in blame games,” he said.
He also criticized a recent Chhatra Dal procession at Dhaka University, questioning its political consistency.
“Chhatra Dal says ‘Bangladesh above all’, but shows no concern over the unequal deal with American imperialism,” he added.
Other speakers at the rally included Tamzid Haidar Chanchal, president of the central council of Bangladesh Student Union; Samar Chakma, president of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Students’ Council; and Saidul Hoq Nishan, president of the Democratic Student Council.
