MM Akash says leaders have let July Uprising be ‘hijacked’

He hails quota reform movement for restoring authority of students in educational institutions

The student-led July Uprising of 2024 has been hijacked, says MM Akash, a Left-leaning activist and former Dhaka University professor.

Speaking on Tuesday, Akash said the quota reform movement had demonstrated how ordinary students could regain authority in educational institutions through the determined efforts of non-partisan students, even in challenging situations, and how to stop unqualified and incapable people from taking control.

“And this time, it happened through the united, vigorous efforts of apolitical students. But that Uprising has been ‘hijacked’ because its leadership was, in terms of capability, unsuitable,” he added.

Akash delivered the remarks at the Asiatic Society auditorium during a seminar on “Bangladesh: Popular Uprising, Public Expectations, and the Challenges of People’s Institutions”.

He questioned if there were signs of a political force arising from the quota movement, upholding values of anti-discrimination, transparency and accountability.

“Or has this movement deteriorated?” he asked, referring to the quota reform movement.

“Therefore, those who have forsaken the spirit that people gained through the Liberation War have been rejected. The expectation is Bangladesh will see the rise of a new politically capable generation who will reject those who are willing to compromise the core principles of the Liberation War in the name of reforms or were originally opposed to the Liberation War spirit and are unwilling to admit their mistake, sticking to their reactionary beliefs,” he said.