Shibir secretary slams ‘fascist’ betrayal of student movement

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary Zahidul Islam has blasted fascist forces of attempting to undermine the student-led revolution and public movements for justice.

Speaking at a protest rally held at the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque premises on Wednesday, organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan Unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Zahidul demanded accountability for mass killings in July and condemned ongoing efforts to malign the movement.

“Fascism continues to conspire in various ways. They are attempting to discredit the revolution of students and the general public. But this generation cannot be deceived. Instead of engaging Islami Chhatra Shibir on ideological grounds, attempts are being made to confront us with distorted narratives. The blood of martyrs runs in our veins, and this generation will not tolerate betrayal,” Zahid said.

Referring to past political violence, Zahid accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of establishing a “regime of fascism,” citing incidents such as the 2006 Baitul Mukarram violence, the 2009 BDR mutiny, and the Shapla Chattar crackdown.

He claimed these events reflect a systemic attempt to silence opposition and subjugate the public.

On October 28, 2006, at this very location, he said the “killer” Hasina initiated fascism by orchestrating killings. “From the BDR massacre to the Shapla Chattar killings, she has cemented her authoritarian rule, holding the nation hostage to her family’s ambitions,” he declared.

Zahid also described the July uprising as a turning point, where “students and the public shed their blood” in a bid to free the country from what he termed as a “fascist regime.”

“No one of us has seen Pharaoh, Nimrod, or Hitler, but this generation has witnessed the atrocities of Hasina. After the July massacre, she and her accomplices have shown no remorse, only arrogance and disdain for the people. We want to make it absolutely clear: the student movement, which has sacrificed so much to challenge fascism, will never allow its resurgence,” he said.

Members and supporters of Islami Chhatra Shibir joined the protest rally.