Arif Sohel, Member Secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, declared that the era of stamp and baton politics is over in this country.
"We are ready to lay down our lives, if necessary, to usher in another July-like movement in Bangladesh and honor our pledge,” he said.
His statement came during a protest rally, in response to the recent attack by Chhatra Dal on students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), held on Tuesday evening at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University (DU).
The protest march began at the Raju Memorial Sculpture, proceeded through the VC Chattar (Vice-Chancellor’s Square), and continued across several prominent locations on the DU campus. Prior to the march, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement addressed a brief gathering. Hasnat Abdullah, the movement’s spokesperson, also participated in the demonstration.
Arif Sohel emphasized, “The brutal oppression we endured in July and August has resurfaced. This wave of repression began when attacks on the people of this country were justified under various pretexts. From the murder of Biswajit to the killing of Abrar Fahad, such atrocities were defended with fabricated excuses. We want to make it unequivocally clear—after August 5, no one’s life or property is safe. No one has the right to harm another’s life or belongings. We refuse to return to the Bangladesh that existed before August 5. The sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in July and August will not be in vain. Their blood stains our hands, and we will resist anyone who tries to justify attacks like those carried out by Chhatra League. There will be no compromise.”
He further urged, “To all student organization leaders, I appeal to you as fellow fighters of July and August—steer your organizations toward a pro-people ideology in the post-August 5 era. Abandon the politics of the past. Stamp and baton politics will no longer be tolerated in this country. We have pledged our lives to bring about another July in Bangladesh and fulfill our commitment.”
Zakir Hossain Monju, Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement for private universities, also addressed the rally, stating, “If anyone attempts to emulate the tactics of Chhatra League or attacks our brothers again, we will not stand idly by. Private university students will once again take to the streets to resist such actions. In the new Bangladesh, there will be no room for Chhatra League’s methods or fascist attacks.”
The protest saw participation from various student organizations, including the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, who joined the march with similar demands, amplifying the call for justice and an end to political violence on campuses.
