Rifat Rashid Strongly Criticizes Nasiruddin Patwari’s Remarks

Staff Reporter

Rifat Rashid, Central President of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has expressed anger over recent comments made by Nasiruddin Patwari, Convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, regarding journalists from 71 Television.

In a post on his Facebook page on Saturday (June 28), he sarcastically questioned, “Who exactly does Nasiruddin mean by ‘you all’?” and described his statement as “mysterious and misleading” for not clearly identifying the “senior journalists” he referred to.

Rifat Rashid said, “Nasiruddin Patwari claims that many senior journalists from 71 TV merged with ‘you all’ in July. I want to know—who is this ‘you all’ referring to? And who are these ‘senior journalists’? What are their names? I would be grateful if he could clarify.”

He further added, “Throughout July, I did not see the presence or involvement of any senior journalists who were connected with us. In fact, I don’t even recall hearing their names.”

Highlighting contradictions in Nasiruddin’s remarks, Rifat said, “On one hand, he calls the media fascist, and on the other, he claims senior journalists from the same media were part of the mass uprising—how can such duplicity be explained?”

In the comments section of the post, Rifat attached a video where Nasiruddin Patwari is seen claiming, “Many experienced journalists from 71 Television stood in support of the mass movement and joined us in the resolve to build a new Bangladesh. We hope they will play a significant role by delivering objective news.”

Rifat Rashid’s reaction makes it clear that the student movement is increasingly questioning and doubting the activities and statements of the Citizens’ Committee. He has also implied that claims about journalists’ involvement are detached from reality and motivated.

Nasiruddin Patwari has yet to explain his remarks on the matter. However, the debate that has erupted on Facebook has added a new dimension to the issue.