Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, advisor to the interim government and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that India must now engage with the people of Bangladesh, not just with one party.
“The previous government was a submissive regime lacking a popular mandate. When dealing with other countries, they spoke with their heads bowed. We want to make it clear that the people of this country are united. As a sovereign state, we want to engage with other countries with our heads held high, speaking for national interests rather than party interests."
He made these remarks during a discussion meeting organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at the Town Hall Ground in Comilla on Tuesday.
India has continued its actions based on the previous government's policies, including violence at the border. "On behalf of the people, we want to make it clear that India must now engage with the people of Bangladesh, not just with one party, the Awami League," he added.
The government must implement the foreign policy decisions made by the people. India needs to stop its aggressive practices and engage respectfully with the people, he said.
Advisor Asif expressed his respect for those who fought for freedom of expression, saying: "The people of Bangladesh do not ask for much. They only want the freedom to express themselves. They do not seek luxury but desire to live peacefully with three square meals a day. After enduring a long period of fascist rule, even posting on Facebook was a concern. Now, at least we have the strength to speak freely without the fear of raids from RAB, DB, or police."
He added: "You have asked us to serve as advisors to the interim government, and we have accepted to maintain the spirit of our uprising and ensure its success. However, our true place is on the streets. We feel more comfortable among you than in the Cabinet offices."
Asif Mahmud mentioned: "For the first time, I am attending a program like this. People have criticized the accumulation of problems over the past 53 years, and we are working to address them quickly. But we cannot solve decades of issues in a single day or month. We have already started to see some changes. Unlike in the past 16 years, we have not witnessed incidents of aid theft or disaster mismanagement recently."
Referring to expatriates, he noted: "They have kept our economy running, yet they faced humiliation at the airport, with their luggage being held and discomfort being caused. Is that still happening?”
Hasnat Abdullah calls for government resignation if promises not met“Government offices used to harass and inconvenience the public. Does anyone still have the audacity to do that? We are committed to ensuring that no one dares to do so in the future. To achieve this, we are advocating for structural reforms, and how these reforms will be determined is up to you, the people."
He continued: "There are many questions about whether student politics should continue. I believe that political participation is a personal right, but political awareness is crucial. We have suffered due to a lack of political awareness and unity, such as during the events of August 5."
Asif Mahmud concluded: "We are compiling a list of martyrs and will make every effort to find and document all those who have sacrificed."
The meeting also featured remarks from coordinators Abu Bakr Majumdar, Rubel Hossain of Comilla University, Mahfuz Khan of Buet, Abdul Kader, Mriyon Mani, Mahi Kazwal Ohi, and Zia Uddin Ayon of Jahangirnagar University, among other central members.
