On Wednesday afternoon, private university students staged a human chain in front of the National Press Club, demanding the liberation of Bangladesh’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector from what they termed “allies of tyranny.” Earlier in the day, the Anti-Discrimination ICT Entrepreneurs Council organized a sit-in protest outside the BASIS office in Kawran Bazar. The council’s coordinator, Md. Parag, issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the resignation of the BASIS president, calling for the appointment of an administrator in place of the current leadership.
Protesters also labeled the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) as culpable for their role in internet disruptions. The students expressed concern that leaders of ISPAB share responsibility for the internet shutdowns and called on members of its executive committee to remain vigilant during the “fascist and degraded” government’s regime.
During the human chain, participants voiced demands for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in various corrupt practices within the ICT sector, particularly within commercial organizations aligned with the ruling Awami League party, which they accused of involvement in internet shutdowns and the killing of civilians during the July-August uprising.
Coordinator Md. Mushtaq Tahmid criticized BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed, accusing him of colluding with the government officials, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy and Salman F. Rahman, and pointed out that there had been no programs from the industry to protest the genocide. He lamented the lack of mourning or tribute to the martyrs, stating, “People perceive that either they are politically ignorant or are staunch allies of tyranny.”
Amidst the protests, students referred to the arrest of former BASIS president Syed Almas Kabir, who has been implicated in a murder case related to the genocide of July-August. They noted that other executive members of BASIS might also face arrest. While some within the BASIS community considered these legal actions to be harassment or malicious intent, they acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and advised caution in comments until those accused are proven innocent.
The demonstrators warned of a significant movement involving all students if their demands are not met.
The meeting highlighted that a conference with freelancers took place on August 3 amid ongoing genocide, attended by many responsible government officials. Some attendees have also been accused in the murder case, raising questions about the integrity of protests against Kabir’s arrest. “What exactly are you protesting against, and under whose invitation are you acting?” one protester questioned, emphasizing the need for distance from those implicated in serious allegations until innocence is established in court.
The protest concluded with a call for unity and respect for the national consciousness, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold justice and accountability in Bangladesh’s ICT sector.
