Following their recent appointment as advisors of Bangladesh’s interim government, student leaders Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan have taken to social media to express their commitment to rebuilding Bangladesh and creating a new political system.
In separate Facebook posts made on Thursday night, both advisors called on citizens to prioritize national interests over personal gain.
In his post, Nahid Islam, who has risen as a prominent figure in the post-uprising landscape, extended his gratitude to the nation’s students and coordinators who played a crucial role in the recent upheaval.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by many to bring about the possibility of a new Bangladesh, stating: "We are able to start a new Bangladesh only because of the sacrifices of all."
Nahid, a student of Dhaka University, reflected on the ongoing challenges the country faces. "Bangladesh is going through a turbulent time," he wrote, due to looting, violence, and persecution of minority communities.
Despite the progress made, Nahid acknowledged that the "fascist regime has not been eradicated yet."
He applauded the continued efforts of students in maintaining order on the streets and expressed hope that law and order, as well as safety, would soon be restored in public life. However, he cautioned that the time for celebration has not yet arrived.
"This achievement is still far to go due to the blood of martyrs and the sacrifice of many people," Nahid wrote.
"All your discussions, criticisms and suggestions will be welcome," he said, expressing gratitude once again to the protesting students who have supported the cause.
Meanwhile, Asif Mahmud, also a student leader from Dhaka University and a key figure in the anti-discrimination movement, asked the public to refrain from engaging in lobbying for personal gain. "Avoid lobbying and lobbying for personal gain," he advised. "This may ruin your relationship with me."
Asif talked about his primary purpose in joining the interim government was to realize the promises made during the student-citizen uprising. "I will do my best to fulfil the responsibility that I have received in exchange for the blood of martyrs, with honesty and devotion," he wrote.
Nahid will oversee the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry, while Asif will lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports, according to a circular issued on Friday.