Students Against Discrimination

Students Against Discrimination
বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন
FoundedJuly 1, 2024; 2 years ago (2024-07-01)
HeadquartersVeer Uttam C R Dutta Road, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
IdeologyReformism
Egalitarianism
Social justice
PositionAssistance to the Interim government
National affiliationNational Citizen Party

Students Against Discrimination (Bengali: বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন, romanized: Bôiṣômyôbirōdhī Chātrô Āndōlôn) is a platform of student activists in Bangladesh formed in 2024 during the nationwide student-led quota reform movement. The group was involved in the resignation of the country's prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, on 5 August 2024 which has ended the quota discrimination for students and young adults.

It is an umbrella organization which works on building the political range of Bangladesh, though it is a non-political organization.

On 22 October 2024, the Students Against Discrimination and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee jointly announced a "Five-Point Demand", advocating for sweeping political and constitutional changes to dismantle what they describe as a "fascist political settlement" and replace it with a democratic one.

In April 2026, the organization dissolved its central committee and transitioned to an advisory council structure comprising five advisors.

History

The organisation was created on 1 July 2024. On 8 July 2024, it announced a 65-member committee, comprising 23 coordinators and 42 co-coordinators, to make the movement a success after its creation. On 3 August, after the agitation grew in scale, the group formed a 158-member coordination team with students from various educational institutions, of which 49 were coordinators and 109 were co-coordinators.

Since its inception, several coordinators have been seen leading the group, including Nahid Islam, Rifat Rashid, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, Asif Mahmud, Abu Baker Majumder, Arif Sohel, Ibrahim Nirob and among others.

The protesters under the banner of Students Against Discrimination announced their four-point demands on 1 July 2024, in support of reforms on Bangladesh Civil Service reservation quotas in Bangladesh. From 2 to 6 July, students of various institutions held protests including human chains and highway blockades across the country. On 7 July, the platform called for the "Bangla Blockade", under which students staged demonstrations, marches, civil disobedience and blockades of highways and railways.

One of the group's coordinators, Abu Sayed of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur was shot and killed by the police on 16 July 2024.

The anti-discrimination student movement gained momentum when private university students joined on July 16. In response to the escalating quota reform movement, the government mandated the closure of all educational institutions on July 16, 2024. Subsequently, on 17 July, students residing in dormitories at public universities across the nation, including Dhaka University, were compelled to vacate their accommodations. However, due to the permanent residency of a significant portion of private university students in Dhaka, their presence within the city noticeably increased on July 18. Multiple confrontations occurred that day. Students affiliated with BRAC University and East West University clashed with law enforcement in the Rampura area; students from American International University-Bangladesh, North South University, Independent University, Bangladesh, Dhaka International University, and United International University staged demonstrations along Kuril Bishwa Road and Pragati Sarani. Simultaneously, protests were initiated by students from Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh University of Textiles, and Southeast University in the Mohakhali area, from Northern University in the Uttara region and from International Islamic University Chittagong in Chittagong.

Protest organised by the Students Against Discrimination in Dhaka, 2024

On 26–28 July 2024, six front-line coordinators—Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakar Majumder, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum—were detained by the Detective Branch of police. On 28 July at around 8:00 PM, these six coordinators were coerced into recording a video message from the DB office announcing the withdrawal of all protest programs. Rifat was among the four coordinators who remained free and immediately rejected the announcement. When asked why he opposed the withdrawal announcement, Rifat explained: "It wasn't about trust, it was about circumstances. They were taken to DB and forced to read a statement. It was obvious. Before being arrested, Asif Bhai had told us, 'Whoever is on the field will lead.' So we didn't accept that statement. I was scared then wondering if people would still listen to us. But we decided to reject the DB's announcement and continue the movement. That was a very difficult time." Alongside coordinators Abdul Kader, Abdul Hannan Masud, and Mahin Sarkar, Rifat declared that the six detained coordinators had been coerced and that the movement would continue. Rifat confirmed the release of the six detained coordinators on 1 August 2024 through a Facebook post. Following their release, the coordinators jointly stated that their video announcement from DB custody was not voluntary and that they had been forced to make the statement.

The group spearheaded a nationwide uprising, advocating for political change and successfully prompting the resignation of the Awami League leadership on August 5, 2024. On 8 August 2024, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, two members of the group were appointed as advisers in the Interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. After the Yunus interim government took responsibility of Government of Bangladesh, the group announced a liaison committee to work on the new political arrangement. On the same day, it announced a new coordination team. As of August 2024, members of the organisation were suggesting the formation of a political party within a month.

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad

Following the July Uprising, efforts began to form a new student organization. On 26 February 2025, the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Bangladesh Democratic Student Council) was launched with Abu Bakar Majumder as convener.

On 27 February 2025, a 205-member central committee was announced. Rifat was appointed as senior joint member secretary. However, the same day, Rifat resigned from the newly formed organization citing personal reasons. Sources indicated that his resignation stemmed from dissatisfaction with his position, which did not align with his expectations.

Jatiya Jubo Shakti

On 16 May 2025, the National Citizen Party (NCP) launched its youth wing, Jatiya Jubo Shakti (National Youth Power), at Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue in Dhaka. A 131-member convening committee was announced, comprising representatives from all 64 districts of Bangladesh.

Advocate Tariqul Islam was appointed as convenor, Dr. Jahedul Islam as member secretary, and Engineer Forhad Sohel as chief organizer. Yasin Arafat was appointed as senior organizer working with the chief organizer.

In April 2026, Rifat Rashid officially joined the NCP's Jatiya Jubo Shakti as chief organizer, succeeding Forhad Sohel in the position. His appointment was announced through a message from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, confirming his transition into the National Citizen Party's organizational structure.

Leadership

Central Convener Committee (October 2024 – June 2025)

On 22 October 2024, the organisation announced a four-member central convener committee during a press conference at the Shaheed Minar, Dhaka. Hasnat Abdullah was made convener, Arif Sohel member secretary, Abdul Hannan Masud chief organiser, and Umama Fatema the spokesperson of the committee.

Central Committee (June 2025 – April 2026)

On 25 June 2025, the Central Council formally announced the formation of a new committee. Rifat Rashid was elected as President, Md. Enamul Hasan as General Secretary, Muinul Islam as Organizing Secretary, and Sinthia Jaheen Ayesha as Spokesperson.

On 27 July 2025, President Rifat Rashid announced the suspension of all regional and district-level committees across Bangladesh amid extortion allegations against some coordinators, leaving only the central committee active. In an emergency press conference at Shahbagh, Rifat stated: "We have observed several incidents, including yesterday's, where individuals tried to misuse the SAD banner for unethical activities. We had warned from the beginning that such actions would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, under the influence of political parties, some members engaged in corrupt practices, which have now become nearly impossible for us to control." He urged law enforcement agencies to take legal action against those involved in such activities.

Advisory Council (April 2026 – present)

On 18 April 2026, the organization announced the dissolution of its central committee and the formation of a new advisory council structure. According to an official statement (Memo No: BEICHHAA/2025-26/), the organization restructured its leadership by abolishing all previous positions and forming a five-member advisory council to guide the platform's activities across approximately 30 educational institutions.

The advisory council members are:

  • Abu Sayeed Liton
  • Hamza Mahbub
  • Tarikul Islam Nero
  • Muinul Islam
  • Shahadat Hosen

The statement noted that while approximately 30 educational institutions would be permitted to continue functioning under the Students Against Discrimination banner, all activities should be coordinated and approved by the advisory council.

Controversy

Many members of the organization have been involved in the unlawful destruction and demolition of private property belonging to several political leaders and party offices, including the Jatiya Party (Ershad)'s offices and the ancestral home of its leader, Rowshan Ershad—carried out without any legal authority or official orders.

On 29 May 2025, leaders and activists of the Students Against Discrimination in Rangpur attacked the residence of Jatiya Party (Ershad) Chairman GM Quader and set his motorcycle on fire.

Extortion allegations and committee suspensions

On 26 July 2025, Gulshan police arrested five individuals, including four leaders associated with Students Against Discrimination, for allegedly attempting to extort Tk 50 lakh (5 million taka) from the family of former Awami League Member of Parliament Shammi Ahmed at her residence in Gulshan, Dhaka. The arrested individuals were Ibrahim Hossain Munna (Dhaka Metropolitan convener of Students Against Discrimination), Md. Sakadaun Siam, Sadman Sadab, and Abdur Razzak Riyad (a central committee member of the Democratic Student Council).

On 27 July 2025, at an emergency press conference in Shahbag, President Rifat Rashid announced the suspension of all regional and district-level committees across Bangladesh, leaving only the central committee active. Rifat stated,

We are witnessing various crimes being committed under the banner of the Student Against Discrimination Movement by individuals, both named and unnamed. Many of them, under political protection or having gone astray, are engaging in extortion and corruption, which has become difficult for us to control. Therefore, we are announcing the suspension of all committee activities, except for the central committee.

In January 2026, a controversy arose after Mahdi Hasan, Habiganj district member secretary of the movement, was recorded during a confrontation with police at Shaistaganj Police Station in which he claimed responsibility on behalf of the movement for burning down the Baniachong Police Station and for the killing of Sub-Inspector Santosh Chowdhury during July Uprising. The remarks were made while Mahdi was demanding the release of a detainee and were widely circulated on social media, prompting public criticism and police scrutiny. He was subsequently detained for a short period.

Key people

Rifat Rashid

Launching event of the National Citizen Party 53.jpg

Mohammad Rashidul Islam Rifat (Bengali: মোহাম্মদ রশিদুল ইসলাম রিফাত), commonly known as Rifat Rashid (Bengali: রিফাত রশিদ), is a Bangladeshi student leader and political activist best known for his role in Students Against Discrimination. When six front-line coordinators were detained by the Detective Branch (DB) and forced to announce the withdrawal of the movement on 28 July 2024, Rifat was among the four coordinators who rejected the announcement and continued leading the protests, ultimately contributing to the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024.

Rifat Rashid was born in Cumilla District, Bangladesh. He moved to Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka. Rifat was admitted to Dhaka University in the 2020–21 session. Rifat became involved with Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti (Democratic Student Force), a student organization formed on 4 October 2023 under the leadership of Akhter Hossen.

He is the chief organizer of Jatiya Jubo Shakti, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Before joining NCP, Rifat served as the president of Students Against Discrimination.

July Martyrs' Day

Every year on 16 July, July Martyrs' Day is observed to commemorate the students who were killed during the movement. On this day, students who sacrificed their lives while protesting against discrimination in the education sector are remembered. The day is observed in honor of their sacrifice.

See also

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "Students movement working to build an inclusive society". The Daily Star. 31 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  2. ↑ "Students put forward four- point demand". The Daily Star. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  3. ↑ Karim, Wara (21 August 2024). "Non-resident Bangladeshi voices in the Students Against Discrimination Movement". The Daily Star. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  4. ↑ "Liaison Committee to help interim government". Dhaka Tribune. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  5. ↑ Pathi, Krutika; Ganguly, Shonal (14 August 2024). "Students who ousted Hasina are helping lead Bangladesh, from the streets to the ministries". AP International. WDHN. Associated Press. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  6. ↑ "50 injured as Ansars clash with students". The Daily Star. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  7. ↑ "We want Proclamation of July revolution to bury Mujibist constitution: Hasnat Abdullah". Prothom Alo. 29 December 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  8. ↑ Chowdhury, Jennifer. "The victory of Bangladesh's student movement should not surprise anyone". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 5 August 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  9. ↑ দলে যোগ দিলে বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের পদ ছাড়তে হবে : রিফাত রশিদ. Kaler Kontho. 20 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  10. ↑ "Students Against Discrimination students demand termination of constitution, removal of president". BSS. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  11. ↑ "Scrap '72 constitution, ban Chhatra League". The Daily Star. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  12. ↑ "BNP, other parties ask if govt supports new demands of students". The Business Standard. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  13. ↑ "Bangladesh protesters seige[sic] presidential palace". The Economic Times. 24 October 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  14. ↑ "Protesters besiege presidential palace, Banga Bhaban, in Bangladesh". The Express Tribune. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  15. ↑ "Overhaul of constitution, BCL ban: Students Against Discrimination Movement issues five demands". Daily Sun. United News of Bangladesh. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  16. ↑ "President seems on brink as student change-makers demand his exit". The Financial Express. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  17. ↑ "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement forms 158-member coordination team". The Business Standard. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  18. ↑ Hasnat, Saif; Mashal, Mujib (3 August 2024). "Roaring Back After Crackdown, Bangladesh Protesters Demand Leader's Ouster". The New York Times.
  19. ↑ "'Students Against Discrimination' forms 158-member coordination team". Prothom Alo. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  20. ↑ বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের ১৫৮ সদস্যের সমন্বয়ক দল গঠন. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 3 August 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  21. ↑ "সারাদেশের প্রতিনিধি নিয়ে বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের ১৫৮ সদস্যের কমিটি". Bangla News 24.
  22. ↑ কোটা আন্দোলন: নেতৃত্বের কৌশল ও ছাত্ররা সংগঠিত হলো যেভাবে (in Bengali). BBC Bangla. 12 July 2024. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  23. ↑ আজ ক্যাম্পাসে ধর্মঘট, সড়কে 'বাংলা ব্লকেড'. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 7 July 2024. Archived from the original on 7 July 2024. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  24. ↑ "Student in Rangpur killed during clash between police and protesters". The Business Standard. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 8 August 2024.
  25. ↑ "Timeline of student-people's 'July uprising'". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  26. ↑ "Contribution of Private University Students in '2nd Liberation War'". Daily Sun. August 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  27. ↑ "Private university students join Quota Reform Movement protests". The Daily Star. 15 July 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  28. ↑ "July 18: The day pvt uni students etched their names in nation's history". The Business Standard. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  29. ↑ "17 students of a private university lost their lives in gunfire". Bonik Barta.
  30. 1 2 "Six quota protest coordinators released from DB custody". United News of Bangladesh. 1 August 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  31. ↑ "July 28: Coordinators end protest in custody; Hasina consoles victims' kin". Dhaka Tribune. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  32. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "July uprising was result of collective student action: Rifat Rashid". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. 23 July 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  33. ↑ "Bangladesh's Quota Protests Spiral Into More Chaos and Bloodshed". The Witty Herald. 18 April 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  34. ↑ "Didn't announce withdrawal of movement voluntarily: Six coordinators in joint statement". Prothom Alo. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  35. ↑ Howladar, Asif (13 August 2024). "Women students determined the course of the movement". Prothomalo. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  36. ↑ "From students to youngest-ever advisers". The Daily Star. 9 August 2024.
  37. ↑ "Student movement leaders form liaison committee to work on new political arrangement after govt formation". The Business Standard. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  38. ↑ "Announcement of new coordination team for Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on hold: Coordinators". The Business Standard. 8 August 2024. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  39. ↑ "Bangladesh student protesters plan new party to cement their revolution". Reuters. 16 August 2024.
  40. 1 2 3 "Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad: 205-member central committee announced". The Daily Star. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  41. ↑ "Rifat Rashid resigns from newly formed Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad". The Business Standard. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  42. 1 2 3 "NCP launched its youth wing 'Jatiya Jubo Shakti'". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  43. ↑ "NCP unveils youth wing 'Jatiya Jubo Shakti', announces 131-member committee". The Business Standard. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  44. 1 2 3 "Several leaders to join NCP today from multiple parties, groups". Prothom Alo. 18 April 2026. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  45. ↑ বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের কেন্দ্রীয় আহ্বায়ক কমিটি ঘোষণা. Banglar Patrika. 22 October 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  46. ↑ বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের নতুন কমিটি, নেতৃত্বে রশিদুল-ইনামুল. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 25 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  47. ↑ "Rifat, Enam elected Students Against Discrimination president, GS". New Age. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  48. 1 2 3 4 "Extortion allegations: SAD suspends activities of all committees except central". The Daily Star. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  49. ↑ "All regional committees of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement suspended". Dhaka Tribune. 27 July 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  50. 1 2 "Students Against Discrimination restructures leadership with advisory council". Official Statement. 18 April 2026.
  51. ↑ "JP head office vandalised, set on fire". The Daily Star. 1 November 2024.
  52. ↑ "Attack, vandalism at Rowshan Ershad's 'Sundar Mahal' in Mymensingh". bdnews24.com. 15 May 2025.
  53. ↑ রংপুরে জিএম কাদেরের বাসভবনে বৈষম্যবিরোধীদের হামলা. Ekushey TV. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  54. ↑ জিএম কাদেরের বাসভবনে হা'মলা. The Daily Ittefaq (in Bengali). Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  55. ↑ রংপুরে জিএম কাদেরের বাড়িতে হামলার অভিযোগ, উত্তেজনা. banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 29 May 2025. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  56. ↑ জিএম কাদেরের বাসায় হামলা-ভাঙচুরের অভিযোগ বৈষম্যবিরোধীদের বিরুদ্ধে. Jugantor (in Bengali). Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  57. ↑ "Students Against Discrimination suspends all committees except central body after Gulshan extortion attempt". The Business Standard. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  58. ↑ "'We burnt down Baniyachong Police Station, set SI Santosh on fire': Habiganj SAD leader to Shayestaganj OC". The Business Standard. 3 January 2026. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  59. ↑ "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leader Mahdi arrested in Habiganj". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  60. ↑ "Rifat, Enam elected Students Against Discrimination president, GS". New Age. 26 June 2025. Retrieved 4 May 2026.
  61. ↑ "July Martyrs' Day today". Prothom Alo. 16 July 2025.