Anti-Discrimination Student Movement stage hunger strike in Ctg demanding execution of Hasina, others

Members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have been staging a hunger strike until death in Chattogram since 12:30pm today (30 January), demanding the execution of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and all those allegedly involved in mass killings during the July movement. 

Members led by Mohammad Russel Ahmed, an executive committee member of the platform, began the hunger strike after a protest rally in front of the Chattogram Press Club. 

The rally was organised by the Chattogram unit of platform.

At the end of the demonstration, Russel and several others sat down in protest on the road blocking the traffic, declaring the beginning of their indefinite hunger strike. 

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Hang killer Hasina" and "We will not let our brothers' blood go in vain."

Russel Ahmed said, "Six months have passed since the revolution, yet we have not seen any concrete action from this government. Our brothers' blood still stains the streets. I will sit here, and we will not move until the government takes visible steps. Our fight continues, and we will carry out our hunger strike to the end. We demand justice—nothing less."

He further accused the interim government of failing to deliver justice.

"This government stands on our blood. The killers are living freely abroad. They must be brought back and hanged. That is our final demand."

Russel also criticised the past fascist regime, stating, "We took to the streets against Sheikh Hasina's murderous rule, but so far, we have seen no reforms or justice. More than 2,000 of our brothers gave their lives in the July-August uprising, bravely resisting the armed forces of the Awami League."

He expressed frustration that even after independence, they still have to protest for justice, saying, "This interim government was put in place to ensure justice. Yet today, Chhatra League and Jubo League thugs marched through the streets of Chattogram."

"We will not end our hunger strike until Hasina and those responsible for our brothers' deaths are brought to justice and executed," Russel declared.

Abdul Karim, officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station, said senior officials have visited the spot and have been trying to convince the protesters to withdraw the road blockade and hunger strike programme.