In a unified effort by several student organizations, the declaration of 'National Student Solidarity Week' has been announced to address ongoing unrest in educational institutions and resist what has been termed the rehabilitation of "Awami fascism."
The announcement was made on Monday night (November 25) following an emergency meeting of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Dhaka's Bangla Motor, involving various student organizations. Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the movement, made the declaration after the meeting.
He stated, "Over the past few days, we have observed various conspiracies aimed at rehabilitating Awami fascists. At the same time, institutional movements have erupted across the country. Individuals, disguised as students but easily identifiable, have attacked legitimate student protests. We have also witnessed members of the Chhatra League instigating and attempting to create violence during rickshaw drivers' protests. As a result, all student organizations have unanimously decided to observe 'National Student Solidarity Week' for the next week."
Hasnat further remarked, "Over the last 16 years, the Awami League has plundered the country, emptying the banks through money laundering. It’s public knowledge that even one Member of Parliament owns over 300 properties abroad. During today's meeting, we all agreed that the wealth of these MPs and ministers must be confiscated immediately. From abroad, they continue to orchestrate various anti-national conspiracies. Unless their assets are seized, such conspiracies and chaos in the country will persist. We urge the government to take swift action to confiscate their wealth."
He also emphasised, "To prevent the rehabilitation of Awami fascism and maintain institutional harmony, we have decided to observe this week-long programme. From now on, all anti-fascist political parties and student organizations will adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards the rehabilitation of the Awami League. In no circumstances will they be allowed any platform for rehabilitation."
The meeting was attended by Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Umama Fatema, spokesperson of the movement; Amanullah Aman, central organizational secretary of the Chhatra Dal; Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, president of Dhaka University (DU) Chhatra Dal; S.M. Farhad, secretary of DU Islami Chhatra Shibir; Jamaluddin Mohammad Khalid, president of the Swadhin Bangladesh Chhatra Sangsad; Muntasir Ahmad, central secretary general of Islami Shasantantra Andolan; Bin Yamin Molla, central president of the Bangladesh Chhatra Adhikar Parishad; Mashiur Rahman Khan Richard, president of the Chhatra Federation; and its secretary, Saikat Arif.