Shakib, a young rickshaw puller from Rayerbagh in the capital, who survived a gunshot wound during the July Movement, has joined students in demanding a ban on the Awami League, which he calls a fascist party.
Speaking at a 20-day student protest at Dhaka University’s Raju memorial sculpture, he said, “The students of Bengal have one demand: Sheikh Hasina must face trial on Bengali soil, and we want to witness her execution.”
Shakib, who narrowly escaped death, voiced unwavering resolve: “None of us student brothers will listen to Sheikh Hasina. We won’t return home until the Awami League is banned. If they return to politics, they’ll target every injured person listed by the July Smriti Foundation for punishment.”
The ongoing protest at Raju monument began on February 13 with a five-point agenda, including a call to ban the Awami League and its allied parties as fascist entities. Wednesday, March 4, marked the 20th day of the sit-in.
Organisers expressed frustration that, despite enduring the scorching sun, their demands have been overlooked by the interim government and major political parties, stifling the push to eradicate fascism in public discourse.
Abdul Wahed, convener of the Revolutionary Students’ Council and an organiser, said, “We submitted a memorandum to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus’ office, demanding the Awami League and its allies be banned as fascist parties. Yet, the government has not responded. It’s evident they’re neglecting our sit-in.”
Fazlur Rahman, member secretary of the Revolutionary Students’ Council, added, “The silence from major political parties suggests they oppose banning the Awami League, which is why they’re ignoring us.”
Syed Qutub, joint convener of the National Revolutionary Council, warned of escalating consequences: “Due to the government’s inaction, fascist murderers who fled are returning boldly, committing serious crimes, including murder. The country is sliding into anarchy, and superficial police operations are failing to address the root problem.”
On Tuesday, rickshaw puller Md Mubarak joined the protest, alongside Mukhles, National Revolutionary Council Assistant Member Secretary Ghalib Ihsan, member Mohammad Wasim Ahmed, Revolutionary Students’ Council Assistant Member Secretary Ashraful Islam, Dhaka University branch convener Sanowara Khatun, Member Secretary Muhib Mushfiq Khan, joint convener Golam Noor Shafayetullah, member Farzayan Zaki Ahsan Kritit, and Bangladesh Islamic University branch convener Ariful Islam, among others.