Leftist student orgs protest Azharul's release, attacks on processions

Leaders and activists of leftist student organisations staged a protest rally denouncing the release of convicted war criminal ATM Azharul Islam and the recent attacks on student processions at Rajshahi University and Chittagong University. 

The rally began at 5:00pm today (30 May) in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at the Dhaka University under the banner of 'Democratic Students Alliance'.

The leaders and activists of Bangladesh Students' Union, Socialist Students' Front, Revolutionary Student Unity, and Democratic Students' Federation participated in the protest.

Addressing the rally, student leaders alleged that the trial process of ATM Azhar was faulted. They claimed the government-appointed lawyer had acted in favour of the accused, compromising the integrity of the case. The speakers also strongly condemned the attacks on their demonstrators in recent weeks.

Armanul Haque, Dhaka University unit convener of the Bangladesh Democratic Students' Front, said, "We viewed the war crimes verdicts during the Awami League regime as farcical. Though we had hoped for justice under the interim government, the trial of ATM Azhar has proven to be a mockery."

He further alleged that the verdict served the interests of both the criminals and the government.

Commenting on the attacks against the Democratic Students Alliance, Armanul said, "Several anonymous platforms have emerged after 5 August. One such group, named Shahbagh Birodhi Oikyo, carried out attacks on protesters at Rajshahi University and Chittagong University. Another group, Students for Sovereignty, assaulted participants at an ethnic cultural programme on 15 January."

He claimed these platforms are backed by Islami Chhatrashibir, stating, "It's now clear that they are guided and supported by Shibir." He also said Shibir had not yet publicly revealed their full committee so it is difficult to identify the attackers.

"Shibir has lost its right to do politics in Bangladesh, as it no longer abides by the country's social contract," he added.

Mozammel Haque, DU unit convener of the Socialist Students' Front, accused the state of ongoing interference in the judiciary, a practice he said continued from the Awami League era. He demanded comprehensive reforms in the judicial system.

Condemning the recent violence, he said, "We remain still against terrorism. Terrorists should be boycotted socially."