An anti-discrimination student rally took place on Thursday afternoon at the Noor Hossain Hall field of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) in Dinajpur. The rally, led by Sanjida Parvin Ripa, coordinator of HSTU’s anti-discrimination student movement, saw the attendance of a central representative delegation of four members.
Approximately 1,500 students and supporters gathered to hear speeches from key figures, including Hasanat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Tariqul Islam, and Abu Saeed Leon, all central coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement. The speakers demanded an immediate ban on the “fascist” Awami League, the abolition of the 1972 Constitution, and swift action against those involved in the alleged August 2024 massacre, including denial of bail for those already detained.
The speakers urged the student community to maintain unity within the anti-discrimination movement, warning that any internal division could strengthen what they described as a tyrannical political regime in the country. Hasanat Abdullah, the movement’s convenor, highlighted the socioeconomic background of many students, emphasizing that they attend university to secure their futures and support their families, not to advocate for political reform, though he noted that the current climate demands action. He pointed out that the younger generation’s sacrifices have been overlooked by senior politicians since August 5, creating a generational divide.
Addressing faculty members, Hasanat emphasized that teachers should prioritize the academic and career growth of students over personal promotions and political interests. He asserted that the role of an educator should not require a political affiliation, as doing so creates a divide with students.
Sarjis Alam, a movement coordinator, emphasized the need for annual student union elections to foster genuine student leadership. He argued that individuals elected with political affiliations often prioritize satisfying higher authorities rather than representing students’ interests. He criticized partisan student politics, stating it serves vested interests rather than the university’s core mission. Looking forward, he expressed his desire to see HSTU become one of Bangladesh’s top ten universities.
