The Jahangirnagar University (JU) chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a 20-member convening committee.
Arifuzzaman Uzzal, a student of the marketing department's 47th batch (2017-18 session), has been named convener, while Towhid Siam of the international relations department's 49th batch (2019-20 session) will serve as member secretary.
The announcement was made by Central Committee Member Secretary Arif Sohel at a press conference held at the university's central Shaheed Minar at 10:30pm on Friday.
Central committee spokesperson Umama Fatema was also present.
The other members of the committee are Imran Sahriar as senior joint convener, Nasim Al Tariq and Farhana Binte Zigar Farina as joint convener, Md Obaidullah as senior joint member secretary, Nahid Hasan Emon and Imran Hossen Rahat as joint member secretary, Jannat ul Ferdous Anjum and Md Raihan as organizing secretary, general members are Nafiz Ur Rahman, Kawsar Al Arman, Tanvir Ahmed Shihab, Marjiur Rahman Chowdhury, Raid Hossen and Galib Hasan.
Arif Sohel and Mehrab Shifat have been made advisers committee advisers.
Newly appointed Member Secretary Towhid Siam emphasized the importance of unity against fascism, adding: "We have already called for solidarity with 10 groups on the issue of fascism at Jahangirnagar. Now, with the formation of this committee, we will work tirelessly to bring reforms and reshape the campus while addressing critical issues."
Central Member Secretary Arif Sohel clarified the legitimacy of the committee, saying:
"The central convening committee must approve any local committee. If anyone claims otherwise or declares a counter-committee, it holds no validity."
Sohel also responded to recent criticisms from Chhatra Dal regarding the movement’s activities and lack of invitation to their student camp.
He said: "We are not a political party, which they cited as the reason for excluding us. However, we believe in ensuring national independence, sovereignty, and a democratic political environment. Differences in opinion are natural and do not signify distance. We welcome constructive debate as a hallmark of democracy."
He reiterated the movement’s stance of uniting all political parties on shared ideals of freedom, sovereignty, and a democratic political landscape.
