Protesters surge with fresh vigor, want PM’s word now

Protests for quota reform started with fresh vigor this morning, following last night’s heat and tension at Dhaka University; and now protesters say they will not stop until the government gives out specifics.

“We want a specific declaration by Prime Minister Sheikh Haisna,” Nurul Haque, joint convener of the leading platform Bangladesh General Students' Rights Protection Forum, said in a press conference this morning, after decisions of a united demonstration last night.

Placards shunning Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury during processions at Dhaka University on April 11, 2018. The minister compared the agitating quota reformists to Razakars, and met severe criticism of the protesters. Photo: Prabir Das

Hasan Al Mamun, convener of the forum, placed two fresh demands: expulsion of those harassing the hall students at Dhaka University and that of Sufia Kamal girls’ hall’s Chhatra League leader in 24 hours.

READ MORE: Protests rage on

The press conference was followed by the convergence of over a thousand students, who all marched in arms, up and down through Central Library-Shahbagh-TSC in Dhaka University area.

The press conference of April 11, 2018, at Dhaka University Central Library Premises. From this briefing, protesters vowed to continue movement unitedly until a specific word is delivered from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Photo: Prabir Das

Yesterday, the faction that gave in to the government’s assurance and had postponed agitation till May 7, surrendered after relentless pursuit of the non-yielding faction. Both sides joined arms once again and declared to continue united protests from henceforth.

READ MORE: Long calls of reform fall on deaf ears

And, on top of that, last night, the incident of harassment in Sufia Kamal girls’ dormitory met with outright protest from the girls and boys as well, leading to post-midnight demonstrations, have fueled the movement further and added a new anti-harassment dimension to the protests.