112 organisations back call to recognise Abrar Fahad's martyrdom anniversary as National Anti-Oppression Day

A total of 112 social and cultural organisations, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Ekotar Bangladesh, AB Party, and Anti-Discrimination Engineers Council, expressed solidarity with a demand to recognise the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Abrar Fahad as ‘National Anti-Oppression Day.

A solidarity rally was held at Shahbagh to mark the fifth martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Abrar Fahad, organised by ‘Nirapod Bangladesh Chai,’ a social platform.

Speakers at the rally included Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the National Citizens’ Committee; Abu Sadeq Quayem, President of Dhaka University chapter of Islami Chhatrashibir; Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, joint member secretary of the AB Party; and Umama Fatima, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The speakers called on the interim government to take decisive action regarding Bangladesh’s relationship policy with India.

They emphasised the need for inclusive politics and called on the countrymen to coexist with people of diverse political ideologies.

They condemned the Awami League for labelling dissenters and repressing them during their regime, stating that such discriminatory policies ultimately led to Abrar Fahad’s death.

“If India fails to maintain a respectful relationship with Bangladesh, it will face consequences”, Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said, adding that they do not accept the Awami League, Jatiya Party, or any parties of the ‘Chouddo Dal’- a coalition led by the Awami League.

Hasnat Abdullah said, “Sheikh Hasina is busy conspiring against Bangladesh while hiding in India”. He also called for the annulment of the last three elections.

Sadeq Quayem said that Shibir had suffered the most under the Awami regime over the past 16 years.

During the rally, speakers referred to Abrar Fahad as the first martyr of the July uprising. They said that his death ignited a movement among students, encouraging them to advocate for their rights, which eventually led to the fall of the fascist regime.

Engineer Imrul Kayes Parag, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination ICT Entrepreneurs Council and Member of the Anti-Discrimination Engineers Council; Masud Rana, president of the Human Rights Society; and Sibgatullah Sibga, literature secretary of Islami Chhatrashibir, were also present.

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