Anti-Discrimination Student Movement In BD 2024 Composition
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Composition
Introduction:
The anti-discrimination student movement is a movement led by ordinary students. Initially focused on quota reform, it gradually evolved into a larger anti-discrimination movement. Through a series of incidents, this movement concluded with the fall of the then-government on August 5, 2024. Until that year, Bangladesh saw three major protests related to quota reform.
Reason Behind the Movement:
The quota system in Bangladesh was introduced in 1972. At that time, 56% of government jobs were reserved: 30% for freedom fighters, 10% for women, 10% for districts, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for people with disabilities. This system created a sense of discrimination among merit-based job seekers. Therefore, students and job aspirants started demanding quota reform.
(Source: Prothom Alo, March 4, 2018)
Background of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement:
On October 4, 2018, after consistent student protests, the government issued a circular cancelling the quota in first- and second-class jobs. The decision was accepted under the leadership of the Bangladesh General Students’ Rights Protection Council. However, on June 5, 2024, the High Court declared that cancellation was illegal. As a result, the anti-discrimination student movement was reignited. Their main demand was rational reform of the quota system.
Role of Students:
Students from educational institutions across the country actively participated in the anti-discrimination student movement. The movement started at Dhaka University. Key locations such as Raju Bhaskarya, Aparajeyo Bangla, Central Library, and Shahbagh Square became its focal points.
Although the authorities shut down all universities, hoping to suppress the protests, this strategy backfired. Private university students joined the movement in solidarity. As a result, momentum grew rapidly.
Torture of Protesting Students:
The anti-discrimination student movement intensified when students demanded that the prime minister withdraw the phrase “granddaughter of a king.” In response, students staged nationwide protests. However, instead of listening, the police attacked the protestors. As a result, many students were injured, and some tragically lost their lives.
9 Points of the Students:
On July 6, students called for a boycott of exams in all universities and colleges, launching the ‘Bangla Blockade.’ On July 16, Abu Sayeed, a student from Begum Rokeya University, was shot dead by police in Rangpur.
By July 19, a faction of the movement declared a continued shutdown with 9 demands. On July 22, coordinator Nahid Islam presented 4 specific demands with a 48-hour ultimatum:
- Restore internet access
- Withdraw law enforcement from campuses
- Reopen campuses and ensure student safety
- Lift the curfew
Later, on July 30, under the banner “March for Justice,” students nationwide protested the killings and demanded justice.
From Student Movement to Mass Movement:
What began as a student-led movement evolved into a mass uprising. People of all ages and professions—young and old—took to the streets, showing support for the anti-discrimination student movement.
One-Point Non-Cooperation Movement:
Eventually, the movement transitioned into an all-out demand for regime change. Students called for an indefinite non-cooperation movement centered on a one-point demand—the resignation of the government.
Fall of Fascism:
Bangladesh’s long-standing authoritarian rule ended through the anti-discrimination student movement. On August 4, in response to state violence, students moved the planned “March to Dhaka” forward to August 5.
That day, students from across the country rallied in Dhaka. Widespread anxiety spread throughout the nation. Ultimately, the sheer force of the protest led to the Prime Minister’s resignation and departure on the afternoon of August 5.
Conclusion:
The anti-discrimination student movement marks a historic turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. When the country was reeling under long-term fascism, this joint student-citizen movement ushered in change. The fall of the government opened the path toward building a more just and discrimination-free Bangladesh.
