Thousands of students, youth, and families of those injured or killed in recent protests gathered at Shahid Minar on Tuesday (31 December), for the "March for Unity" programme organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Participants travelled from various regions to demonstrate solidarity and renew their commitment to a fascism-free Bangladesh.
From early Tuesday morning, Shahid Minar saw a steady influx of attendees from the capital and other parts of the country.
Families of injured and deceased protesters joined the crowd, lending the gathering an emotional fervour.
Chants and slogans reverberated through the area as the massive assembly stood united against inequality.
According to sources, many students set out for Dhaka on Monday night to ensure their presence at the march.
Their shared hope was to foster a unified stand against fascism and pledge allegiance to a new political framework for the nation.
On Monday night, Arif Sohel, member secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressed a gathering at the organisation’s central office.
He reflected on the significance of the July uprising proclamation, born out of the July-August uprising that encapsulated the aspirations for dismantling fascist systems and establishing a new political order.
“This manifesto was essential as a testament to the sacrifices of countless martyrs and injured freedom fighters,” Sohel said.
He highlighted the organisation's responsibility to draft and present the declaration despite facing numerous challenges.
Sohel noted the positive reception of their initiatives, stating, “Our efforts have resonated deeply with students and citizens nationwide. In response to their call, a state-led initiative has now emerged for making July uprising proclaimation grounded in national consensus. This timely move has been welcomed by student and public communities alike.”
The "March for Unity" was announced to sustain this momentum, with the event scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 3pm at Shahid Minar.
Sohel called upon the public to participate enthusiastically in the march, urging them to maintain the spirit of unity and mobilisation.
The press conference also saw the presence of Hasanat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, and Coordinator Sarjis Alam, who echoed the call for nationwide participation.
