Dhaka University (DU) students and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinators staged a demonstration on the campus on Monday, in protest against the latest appointment of advisers without student participation. They consider the inclusion of what they term "fascist collaborators" in the council of advisers of the interim government as a dishonor to the blood of martyrs of the student-led July uprising.
Without mentioning the names of the advisers, the protesters demanded immediate dismissal of their controversial appointees. They gave 24-hour ultimatum.
The protest was held at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the DU campus.
Hasnat Abdullah, a Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said addressing the demonstration, "It is ironic that, even after three months of protests that began on June 5, we still find people who idolize Dhanmondi 32 as a sacred place are being appointed as Advisers. We removed Hasina as a murderer, not to protect her legacy. Our protests have led to the removal of Mujib's picture from Ganabhaban. We do not want individuals even remotely associated with fascism in the interim government."
Coordinator Mahin Sarkar said, "We are issuing a 'red card' to those who do not uphold Bangladesh's cultural and religious values and consider Dhanmondi 32 as holy. We oppose such individuals on the advisory panel. Regional biases are evident in these appointments-none of the advisers are from northern Bangladesh, even though Abu Sayeed, the movement's first martyr, hailed from that region. Fascist sympathisers within this government must resign immediately."
Another coordinator, Abdul Hannan Masud, said that "fascist collaborators and 'soft' affiliates of both Awami League and Shahbagh are being appointed as advisers. "This is a betrayal with the injured and martyred. The public was not informed about these appointments. They must be withdrawn immediately," he said, adding that the advisers' roles should be transparent, and the process, including anti-corruption measures, must be clarified. He said the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is prepared to ensure accountability for these advisers.
Dhaka University students also criticised latest appointment of Advisers, stating that individuals who made just a few Facebook posts in July or August are being appointed as advisers.
They alleged that individuals with allegiance to India are receiving attention from Bangabhaban, which they believe is a betrayal of the movement's goals. They also called for clarity on the appointment of Mustafa Sarwar Farooki and questioned why no advisers were selected from northern districts, warning that the student body will not accept such appointments.
