Dhaka, Nov 10 (V7N) – The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement launched a mass gathering on Sunday to protest against an Awami League demonstration scheduled on Shaheed Nur Hossain Day. The students' program began at 12:30 pm on the main road near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque, a short distance from the Shaheed Nur Hossain Square in Dhaka.
Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, led the gathering, warning against any attempt to "rehabilitate" the Awami League. "Rehabilitating the Awami League would be dishonest to the martyrs," said a coordinator of the movement. The leaders pledged to oppose anyone supporting the party, which they view as an accomplice to oppression.
The protest by the student movement comes after the Awami League's official Facebook page called for a rally at 3 pm on November 10 at Gulistan’s Zero Point. Following this announcement, student groups and civilians expressed strong resistance to the Awami League's plans, calling the Chhatra League—the student wing of the Awami League—an ally to past government repression.
In anticipation of unrest, anti-discrimination groups took up positions at Gulistan Zero Point on Saturday night to counter the Awami League gathering. Chief Advisor’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, added to the tension with a Facebook post, calling the Awami League “fascist” and warning that any demonstration by the party would be met with firm action by law enforcement.
In response to these rising tensions, law enforcement agencies have been deployed since last night around Nur Hossain Square and the Awami League’s central office in Gulistan. Authorities remain on high alert to prevent any potential clash and maintain order as the day unfolds.
END/MSS/AJ
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