A group of activists under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a five-point demand, including the resignation of President Md. Shahabuddin within this week.
Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the movement that previously led the protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government, announced the demands during a protest held on Tuesday (October 22) in front of the Central Shaheed Minar on Dhaka University’s campus.
The protesters demanded the immediate resignation of President Md. Shahabuddin, the rewriting of a new Constitution to replace the existing one, the banning of the Awami League along with its affiliated student and youth wings, Chhatra League and Jubo League, and the seizure of properties belonging to those elected in the last three elections, which they claim were illegitimate.
The activists also questioned the legitimacy of the President, referring to a previous statement about Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. "When Sheikh Hasina fled, the President claimed she had resigned. So why is he now saying she hasn’t? We will not tolerate any accomplices of the Awami League. Shahabuddin must step down immediately," they added.
"We have shed blood to topple this fascist government. No allies of fascism should remain in power," said one protester.
The protest underscored growing tensions and demands for major political reforms in Bangladesh.
