Hasnat Abdullah, one of the coordinators of the recent Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has said there is no dispute between students and the police.
“You (police) should return to the streets and ensure our security. We assure you that we will work as your partners in the reconstruction of the state,” Hasnat said on Sunday afternoon during a rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chittagong.
The program, organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, included discussions with families of martyrs as well as students, focusing on issues such as corruption, extortion and terrorism.
Hasnat said: “Students and police are like brothers. We urge you to return to your duties. We know who among you was complicit in wrongdoing and who stood for justice. Not all officers are like Benazir or Harun. My father and my brother… they are policemen too. So we will support the police. We consider those involved in the state’s reconstruction as collaborators, not opponents, and we will advance the work of rebuilding together.”
He also issued a warning, saying former police chief Benazir Ahmed could not stay in the country, nor could former Detective Branch chief Harunor Rashid. “If you focus on power instead of action, your fate will be like theirs.”
Addressing administrative officials, Hasnat said: “We expect you to support the interim government. If you believe you can refuse to work in your offices and courts out of frustration, you are mistaken.”
Hasnat continued: “Journalists ask us how long this government will stay in office. We want to make it clear that we want an interim government in place until people’s faith in key state entities – law enforcement, judiciary, governance, education and healthcare – is fully restored and basic rights are upheld.
“We want to see the interim government oversee necessary changes. Once these changes are achieved, the responsibility should be transferred to an elected government through free and fair elections.”
Hasnat also urged students to maintain unity, saying: “We have begun discussions with you. We will hold power accountable. Our students have no demands; rather, we are here to contribute to the state. Until the state’s reconstruction aligns with our expectations, our unity will remain firm, and our responsibility toward the martyrs will be reflected in our actions.”