Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has said that former MP Hasan Mahmud is now releasing video message from undisclosed location, which is similar to how terrorist organizations like al-Qaeda operates.
“Hasan Mahmud has released a video message from somewhere, similar to al-Qaeda. He has said that they want to work with the BNP for the restoration of democracy. If, for any reason, the fascist government or one of its allies infiltrates the state structure again, the first target will be the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.,” he said.
Hasnat added: “There are high expectations from the political parties that have protested over the last 16 years. But we ask humbly: What is your current stance that even Sheikh Hasina's fascist allies now wish to collaborate with you?"
Hasnat made the remarks at a student rally titled "The Role of Revolutionary Student Masses in Upholding the July Revolution and Reconstructing the State" at the Nur Hossain Hall field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur on Thursday.
He said: "The political parties that have protested over the past 16 years are expected to have a lot to offer. But what position have you taken now that Sheikh Hasina's fascist allies are interested in working with you? They address the leadership of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement as if we are members of a ‘teen gang.’"
Hasanat Abdullah said: "Being coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has almost become an insult. We’ve committed certain 'offenses' along the way.
"First, before August 5, we risked our lives to force the fascist killer Hasina to flee. That was our first offense.
"Second, before August 5, all kinds of negotiations were attempted with us. The state's highest law enforcement, through DGFI, pressured us to negotiate in the ‘Hall of Mirrors.’ Even then, we did not compromise with the fascist killer Sheikh Hasina. That was our second offense.
"Third, after August 5, torture cells disguised as 'guest rooms' or 'dorm rooms' no longer exist in any university in Bangladesh. This is our third offense."
He continued: "Another offense is that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is not involved in tender manipulation or extortion. We consistently criticize current politicians and the political establishment. This, apparently, is our ultimate offense."
He also addressed generational conflicts, saying: "After August 5, we see a generational divide. Those with long political experience often look down on the younger generation's achievements. Recently, veteran BNP politician Mirza Abbas said that if a child walks ahead of their father, the country is doomed.
"We respectfully ask him: when the father was denied political rights for the last 16 years, when he couldn’t take to the streets, it was the youth who stood in front of bullets. When Mugdho, Abu Sayed, and Wasim risked their lives, it did not destroy the country; instead, it upheld the father’s honor.
"To be clear, we do not wish for generational conflict. With your experience and the courage of the youth, we want to build the future of Bangladesh.”
