Anti-discrimination Student Movement forms private university committee

The newly formed committee for private universities has named its top four leaders

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has formed a new committee for private universities, with European University student MJH Monju appointed as its convenor.

The names of four committee leaders were announced at a press conference on Wednesday night, with organisers saying the full list of members will be published soon.

Rashidul Islam Rifat, a central member of the organisation, made the announcement at its central office in Banglamotor around 10pm.

He said the committee was formed on Feb 16.

The key positions have been assigned to North South University’s Atik Shahriar as member secretary, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology’s Omar Faruq as chief organiser, and University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh’s Ms Sabina as spokesperson.

When asked about the committee’s formation, convenor Monju said its members were chosen through a "commission" representing students from 65 private universities.

"The commission was formed to gather opinions from all before forming the committee," he said.

Though only four names have been announced for now, Monju said the full committee is already finalised and will be revealed in the coming days.

Presenting the top four leaders, Rifat said, "This platform is committed to building a future Bangladesh in line with the aspirations of the masses and in honour of the over 2,000 people, including 35 private university students, who were martyred, and the tens of thousands injured in July’s movement."

He also said the Anti-discrimination Student Movement’s private university wing will officially recognise Northern University’s Asif as the first martyr and Southeast University as the institution with the highest number of martyrs on Jul 18 at 11:30am.

Convenor Monju told bdnews24.com that private university students have played an active role in movements, including the quota reform protests.

"It would be wrong to think their contributions were limited to July alone. We have high expectations for this committee," he said.

Naim Abedin, a member of the central executive committee, expressed optimism, saying: "Today, private university students have established themselves in different positions within the Anti-discrimination Student Movement. I have great hopes for them."

Jahid Ahsan, another central leader, said: "The July uprising has given rise to a new political demographic, among which private university students are a key part. We must keep them engaged in politics—it is our biggest responsibility."

"Their participation in elections should be ensured. If Dhaka University students can contest elections, why can’t private university students?" he asked, urging all student organisations to involve them in politics.

When asked about the relationship between this committee and a newly formed faction of the movement, Rifat said: "The Anti-discrimination Student Movement is not a political organisation. It is working to create a new political space in Bangladesh, and this platform will continue that mission.

“The new student organisation is simply a part of that broader effort," he added.