Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, strongly criticized the recent appointments of two new advisors in the interim government, describing the move as a "rehabilitation of fascism on the blood of students."
Addressing a demonstration in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University on Monday afternoon, Hasnat Abdullah expressed frustration over what he called an insult to the legacy of fallen heroes from past movements.
He asserted that students should not have to repeatedly take to the streets to demand safeguards for the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Abdullah also questioned the contributions and commitment of the newly appointed advisors, specifically pointing to their roles and actions over the past 15 years.
Abdul Kader, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, reinforced Abdullah’s sentiments, calling for a “fascism-free Bangladesh.” He insisted that fascist elements and their allies should be removed from positions of power, warning that the movement would escalate if their demands were ignored.
During the protest, students voiced concerns over the recent appointments, questioning how individuals who did not support the July-August Movement could now be part of the interim government. Protesters alleged that some of these figures had aligned themselves with the ruling party during past uprisings.
The students demanded the removal of individuals who did not support the movement in 2024 from government roles. They specifically called for the dismissal of businessman SK Bashir Uddin and film director Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, who took the oath as members of the interim government on Sunday (10 November), alongside Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant Mahfuz Alam.
The demonstration highlighted ongoing tensions regarding the government’s appointments, with students vowing to continue their protests until their demands for a transparent and fair administration are met.
