SAD to Announce New Framework on Political and Key Issues Soon

Students Against Discrimination (SAD) is set to unveil a new framework on how politics should operate in Bangladesh, including a ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the resignation of the president, and the drafting of a new constitution.

Abdul Hannan Masud, a coordinator of SAD, announced this at a press briefing held outside Shahbagh police station on Monday evening. He emphasized that the revolution is still ongoing and will only be complete with the creation of a new constitution, replacing the current one. Masud stated, “We aim to eliminate Mujibism from politics and hold accountable those responsible for enabling the Awami League’s fascism. The 14-party alliance must be immediately banned.”

The press briefing also addressed a case filed earlier that day at Shahbagh police station, stemming from an attack on protesters by Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, at Dhaka University on July 15. The case named 391 individuals, including then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, 800-1,000 unnamed individuals were also accused. SAD coordinator Mahin Sarker filed the complaint.

Other high-profile accused include AL general secretary Obaidul Quader, former ministers Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel and Mohammad A Arafat, as well as BCL leaders Saddam Hussein, Sheikh Wali Asif Enan, and Dhaka University BCL unit leaders Mazharul Kabir Shayon and Tanbir Hasan Shaikat. Leaders from 18 residential hall units of Dhaka University were also named.

Shahbagh police station officer-in-charge Mohammad Khalid Monsur confirmed that the complaint is being investigated before formal registration as a case. 

At the press briefing, Mahin Sarker called on victims of the attacks to visit their local police stations with evidence to file complaints against the attackers. Abdul Kader, another SAD coordinator, urged the interim government to immediately ban BCL, which he accused of terrorizing Dhaka University residential halls and turning dissenters over to the police after subjecting them to abuse in "Guest Room-Gono Room" settings.

SAD leaders announced their intention to continue filing cases over attacks on student protests nationwide, including against BCL members at colleges and universities in districts and upazilas.

Following the press briefing, SAD organized a torch procession at Dhaka University demanding an end to BCL politics. Speaking at a brief rally after the procession, SAD coordinator Hasnat Abdullah declared, “The fate of Bangladesh Chhatra League was sealed on July 15. Both Chhatra League and Awami League were buried on August 5. Fascism will never rise again in this country."