Injured Students to Pursue Legal Action

Staff Reporter

Seven individuals, including a female student, were injured during a clash between two groups at the central office of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in the capital’s Banglamotor on Tuesday, January 21. In response, students from the National University chapter of the movement announced their intention to take legal action.

The announcement was made at a press conference held on Wednesday, January 22, at the badminton court of the National Press Club. Tanzeed Mohammad Sohorab Reza, a co-coordinator of the July Movement from the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), addressed the media.

Reza stated, “Yesterday, another attack took place in the presence of coordinators. It appears they are possessed by the spirit of the Chhatra League. They cannot tolerate differing opinions and seem intent on replacing the ruling Awami League with their own agenda. Let it be clear—the Anti-Discrimination platform does not belong to anyone’s ancestors. If they think otherwise, they should realize their position is also not secure.”

He added, “The July Movement is being betrayed from within. We are being falsely labeled as members of Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal, Shibir, or Chhatra Odhikar Parishad and accused of instigating attacks. Following our press briefing at the hospital yesterday, some members of the Anti-Discrimination Movement contacted us in various ways, urging us not to file a case.”

Reza also shared details of a failed meeting attempt, saying, “We were asked to meet at Dhaka University but proposed Borhanuddin College as the venue. They agreed to come at 11 p.m. but arrived after midnight. Instead of central coordinators, representatives like Zahid from the Cell Committee, Tariqul from the Health Committee, and Munna from the Private University Executive Committee showed up. We refused to negotiate under such circumstances and did not proceed with the meeting. Now, we will fight through legal means.”

Arnab Hossain, president of the Dhaka Metropolitan South chapter of the Chhatra Odhikar Parishad and a fellow activist, emphasized, “We will not seek justice from the chief advisor. We will file a case with the police. If the police refuse to accept our complaint, we will organize a mass movement.”

Masudur Rahman, one of the injured, recounted, “Yesterday, they pulled me off a rickshaw, assaulted me, and labeled me a militant.”

Other injured students, including Anta Mim, Hasib Mallik, and Al-Amin Talukder, were also present at the press conference.