End ethnic, religious, gender discrimination to build just society: Anu Muhammad at Droho Jatra

To break free from social inequality, all forms of discrimination — class, religious, ethnic, and gender — must be eradicated, Economist Anu Muhammad said today (2 August).

Speaking at a pre-rally gathering of "Droho Jatra" at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, he said, "Mass uprisings occur when all apparatuses of the state — law, administration, security forces — become dysfunctional in front of the people's power. 

"We saw this in 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990, and again in 2024."

He added, "While these uprisings showcased the power of the people, they did not result in lasting victories due to betrayal and failure to sustain organised movements.

Criticising the interim government's lack of transparency, Anu questioned, "If there is Indian dominance over Bangladesh, why aren't the Adani deal, Rampal project, and transit agreements made public? Why are we signing deals with the US? Why are we buying arms and Boeing aircraft just to please them?"

He said the "Droho Jatra" must continue to get answers.

Anu Muhammad, member of the Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee, also condemned efforts to undermine the 1971 Liberation War. "The war is not the property of any single party. We must reclaim its spirit for the people."

At the event, Michael Chakma, who was a victim of enforced disappearance, spoke of repression in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. "Under the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina, we ethnic community, faced disappearances, lawsuits, and violence. Even today, we are still fighting for the same demands."

Dhaka University Professor Samina Luthfa said, "I have not seen ordinary people from different classes claiming credit for uprisings, only politicians do that."

"Droho Jatra was a journey that united people of diverse ideologies and took us to the Press Club together. The credit belongs to all of us. We came together in that march against all forms of oppression and injustice," she added.

The Droho Jatra marked the first anniversary of the July Uprising, with this year's march titled "Droho Jatra of Students, Workers, and the People." 

Starting at 6:30pm, the march moved from the Shaheed Minar through Dhaka University's TSC, Mukti O Gonotontro Toron, Katabon, and ended at Shahbagh.

This year's demands included the abolition of the fascist state structure, justice for the 2024 mass killings and all other state-led killings in the hills and plains, and resisting neo-fascist tendencies.

Earlier, around 3:30pm, the event began with cultural performances and mime acts at the Central Shaheed Minar.