Hasanat Abdullah, the convenor of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressed a gathering of student leaders at Jagannath University, calling for unity among various student organizations. He acknowledged that it is natural for these groups to have differences in principles but emphasized that when it comes to issues of national integrity, foreign aggression, and sovereignty, there must be no compromise. He stressed that maintaining unity is essential for the future progress of the nation.
His remarks were made during the "Post-Revolutionary Student Unity" discussion organized by the Jagannath University Journalists' Unity on Wednesday afternoon.
The event was moderated by Md. Mamun Hossain, General Secretary of the JnU Journalists' Association, and Subarna Asaif, President of the Jagannath University Press Club, while Mahmudul Hasan Tanvir, President of the JnU Journalists' Association, presided over the programme.
During the discussion, Hasnat Abdullah also remarked, "Fascist conspiracies must not succeed. If we fail now, Bangladesh will never rise again." He emphasized that the struggle has been ongoing since July and must continue without faltering.
He added, "There will be principled differences among active student organizations-that's the beauty of democracy. But there will be no compromise when it comes to our nation's integrity, foreign aggression, and sovereignty. Forcing everyone to agree, as seen in Sheikh Hasina's (Awami League) government, is not acceptable."
Hasnat Abdullah also criticized the Awami League government for compromising the country's independence and sovereignty. He claimed that the government had ruled Bangladesh for years, with a focus on aligning itself closely with India. He further stated that the government had treated Delhi as the centre of its power.
He said, "To the policymakers in India, you couldn't make the Maldives submit, nor could you control Sri Lanka. You were forced to recognize Nepal's sovereignty, and you have conflicts with Bhutan and Myanmar. You have no harmonious relations with any neighbouring country. As long as the blood of Saeed, Wasim, Mughid, and Sajid flows in our veins, India will not dominate us. Relations with India will be based on justice, with eye-to-eye discussions."
Hasnat also pointed out that the deterioration of relations with India was not based on religious reasons. He questioned, "If it were a religious issue, why is India unable to maintain good relations with Nepal, a Hindu-majority country?"
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity among the people of Bangladesh. "As long as we remain united, no one will be able to create divisions among us. The road ahead is full of challenges, and we must stay united. Our differences must remain at the level of tolerance and mutual respect, not descend into oppression and suppression as seen under the Awami League."
