Youths who were at the forefront during the student-led mass uprising that overthrew the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government, on Sunday launched a platform named Jatiya Nagarik Committee aiming at abolishing the fascist system and working for a new political settlement of the country.
A 55-member committee with Muhammad Nasiruddin Patwary as convener, Akhter Hossen as member secretary and Samanta Shermeen as spokesperson was announced at the launching ceremony held at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Nasiruddin earlier involved in Amar Bangladesh Party, while Akhter is leading a student organisation named Ganatantrik Chhatra Shakti.
Samanta read the statement of the committee saying the declared goal of the student-led mass uprising—the abolition of the fascist system and a new political settlement—still demands a prolonged political and policy-making struggle.
Referring to past historical movements in the country, Samanta mentioned that there was often a lack of accountability and responsibility towards the people whenever they gave the responsibility of running the state to an individual or a group.
‘The previous fascist system is still active as a rival to the people’s success although a government has been formed by the student-people’s uprising,’ said Samanta, adding, ‘The remnants of the repressive state apparatus are obstructing the reconstruction of the state at every step.’
She mentioned that the committee pledged to fulfil their duty as citizens to organise the masses that took to the streets during the uprising, support and make accountable the interim government simultaneously, and play a role in policy-making in the public interest.
Samanta also announced the committee’s eight-point primary work plan—upholding the collective intention and democratic aspirations reflected in the student-people’s uprising; bringing all those involved in the brutal massacre during the student movement to justice; creating a scope for cooperation; and ensuring the interim government’s accountability for reforms and reconstruction of the state; uniting the country’s social, cultural, and religious leadership to continue the resistance against fascist structures; organising public discussions for the creation of a new democratic constitution; organising the people through discussions and pro-people activities; holding dialogues with cross-sections of people and expatriate Bangladeshis; and taking political steps necessary to frame and implement policy initiatives to reform the state organs.
Nasiruddin announced the 55-member committee and said, ‘It is a platform of youths.’
He mentioned that the student-led mass uprising was to abolish the fascist system and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee would work to uphold the collective intention of the uprising.
Akhter called on people from all walks of life to remain united to abolish the fascist system.
Syeda Akhter, a member of the committee and sister of Ahnaf Abir Ashrafullah, who was killed during the movement, demanded justice for her brother and said that his brother’s blood should not go in vain.
The other member of the committee includes Ariful Islam Adeeb, Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmin, Sarwar Tusher, Anik Roy, Shayak Chakma, Alik Mree, Srabona Shafiq Dipti, Abu Raihan Khan, Mashiur Rahman, Salman Mohammad Muqtadir and Akram Hussain, among others.
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