New Delhi: Sociology student Nahid Islam, 26, who was at the centre of the two-month-long students’ protests that toppled the Sheikh Hasina government, will meet Bangladesh army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman to share proposals for the next interim government.
Islam was at the centre of the agitation against a controversial quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for the kin of those who fought in the country’s liberation war in 1971 under Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman.
A student at the University of Dhaka, Islam became the face of the anti-reservation demonstration that ultimately escalated into a cry for Hasina’s ouster after 15 years at the helm.
Islam was the national coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination Movement, which called for reform of the quota system that favoured descendents of freedom fighters.
While the movement gained momentum in June after the high court reinstated the quotas — which the government had scrapped in 2018 — Islam gained prominence when he was reportedly picked up the next month for his role in these protests. He was allegedly blindfolded and handcuffed by plain-clothed police officers, who tortured him during interrogation.
Videos of him being taken away in a vehicle were circulated on the internet and he was found under a bridge the next day. He was taken away again on 26 July from a hospital by people who allegedly posed as being from the intelligence agencies.
Islam’s fier speeches and social media engagement have helped catapult him into the limelight. “Students are prepared for any eventuality. We picked up sticks today. If sticks don’t work, we are ready to take up arms,” he said at a rally in Shahbagh while condemning the internet shutdown, a day before the government fell.
“Victory alone is our goal,” he proclaimed and unilaterally called for the resignation of the prime minister. He said, “We do not accept this government. From now on, the students will lead the country. The announcement of the students is final.”
“Every citizen must take responsibility for implementing the mass coup of students through the non-cooperation movement,” he wrote on Facebook. His page also lists rules for such a non-cooperation movement — from non-payment of electricity bills to a strike by garment workers, and the closure of educational institutions and luxury stores.
Students led by Islam now plan to be more involved in the country’s politics. “We haven’t met all of our goals yet. After Hasina’s resignation, our focus is to abolish fascist systems forever,” Islam said, adding: “Students have asked for Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.” Islam has maintained that “students would not accept any government led or supported by the army”.
He told reporters Monday: “We will create a new democratic Bangladesh through our promise of security of life, social justice, and a new political landscape.” Islam has also asked students to ensure the safety of minorities in the country.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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