A group of students at Dhaka University staged a protest on Monday, demanding the immediate removal of those who they referred to as “allies of the fascist” appointed as new advisers.
The protesters, gathered at a human chain in front of the Raju Sculpture, sharply criticized the new advisers’ appointments.
The program started at around 4pm.
Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, voiced the outrage of the students, recalling the sacrifices made during the recent uprising.
"Students shed their blood during the fight for freedom, yet these appointments were made without consulting us," he said. “This is a mockery of the students, citizens, and workers."
"If this continues, you will find yourselves in trouble. Then you will call for students to take to the streets. But this won’t last long—we will not tolerate the rehabilitation of those who have thrived under fascism in any form,” Hasnat added.
He also demanded transparency in the selection process, questioning the credentials of those appointed. “If these appointments were made as part of some compromise, you are deceiving the students and the public,” he said.
“People who consider Dhanmondi 32 as their ‘Kaaba’ have been appointed as advisors. We want to know who is supporting and encouraging this initiative to rehabilitate Awami League supporters.”
He also said that they have nothing to lose. After August 5, they are on bonus life.
Earlier in the day, Hasnat Abdullah posted on his Facebook account, calling for participation in the protest program.
Since the appointment of three new advisors, Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators have been expressing their outrage in social media.
Right after the advisors’ oath-taking, coordinator Sarjis Alam wrote on his Facebook timeline: “Thirteen advisors from just one division! Yet, from the sixteen districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions in North Bengal, there is not a single adviser! On top of that, supporters of the murderous Hasina are also becoming advisers!”
Meanwhile, Hasnat wrote: “We spend all day driving out the League and chanting, ‘Down with Mujibism,’ while they take their oaths with Mujib’s portrait hanging in the background.”
