'JnU students' demands justified': Zonayed Saki urges govt to discuss

Zonayed Saki, chief co-ordinator of Ganosanhati Andolan, has called the demands of Jagannath University (JnU) students legitimate and urged the government to engage in discussions with them.

He made the remarks at a rally organised by Ganosanhati Andolan in front of the National Press Club today (16 May) to mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Farakka Long March.

Saki said, "To advisers I say, it is not good to deem that your movement is fair and that others' movement is unfair. Sit with the students of JnU to accept their fair demands. By avoiding discussions and deliberately prolonging the process, what kind of image are you projecting of yourselves?"

Addressing the head of the interim government, he said, "Justice, reform, and election – these three must go hand in hand. It is your responsibility to guide Bangladesh through a proper transition by ensuring all three together. The people will not accept any conflict among these. Resolve the problems quickly and bring back national unity."

Criticising recent decisions on the use of national assets, Saki said, "You want to hand over the Chattogram port to foreigners. Did you ask the people if they agreed? You have not clarified the process. You do not have the authority to act in this manner. There must be discussion with political parties."

He also condemned recent attacks reportedly carried out in the name of protest.

"A group claiming to be protesters is trying to establish mob rule. They attack women, shrines, and the Hindu community. Action must be taken against them. It is not fitting for your government to spare the powerful while dragging out matters with those you dislike."

On regional politics, Saki said, "The people have removed Sheikh Hasina from power. India's dominance will also be resisted. We have told India before – make friends with the people of this country. Real friendship must be based on equality. Seizing someone's rights is not friendship; it is slavery. If we consider those who are deceiving us as friends, we are not only physically enslaved, but mentally as well."

Other leaders of Ganosanhati Andolan were also present at the rally.

Notably, JnU students and teachers continued their protests in the capital for the third consecutive day today, demanding housing allowance for 70% of students starting from the 2025–26 academic year, approval of the proposed full budget for the same period without cuts, and prioritisation of the second campus project in the next Ecnec meeting.

They are also calling for justice over police action during their long march on Wednesday (14 May).