Hasnat calls Hasina employee of India

Hasnat Abdullah, convenor of the anti-discrimination movement, labeled Sheikh Hasina as “India’s salaried employee” during a rally in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on Tuesday.

Speaking at the mass gathering organized by Mayer Dak to mark International Human Rights Day, Abdullah alleged that under India’s influence, scholars and religious figures were killed in Bangladesh and the country is becoming a safe haven for criminals.

“History does not record politicians, intellectuals, poets, writers, journalists, or professionals defending fascists. We must identify who sheltered murderers in the cantonment and who ordered police and security forces to fire at students. Those journalists who supported the fascist Awami League must be held accountable,” Abdullah declared.

He cautioned against any attempts to restore the Awami League to power without holding them accountable, saying: “Forgiving Awami League before bringing them to trial would be a betrayal of the martyrs’ blood.”

The rally saw participation from families of the disappeared, victims of violence, and leaders from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other political organizations. Injured protesters from the July-August student uprising also shared their harrowing accounts.

Khoka Chandra Barman, a protester injured during the movement, said: “This is not just about my injuries. I saw bullets tear through someone’s face. Despite my pain, I must speak. If we stand united, Hasina can do nothing to us. I demand her strict punishment—I demand her execution.”

Ariful Islam, another injured protester, said: “I was part of a peaceful rally when the police suddenly opened fire. A bullet hit my leg before I could realize what was happening. I committed no crime. Why was I shot? I demand justice.”

Mayer Dak coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli highlighted that the oppression faced under the Awami League government. She called for justice for various incidents, including the Pilkhana killings, custodial torture and deaths, enforced disappearances, the July massacre and extrajudicial executions.

The gathering was attended by several prominent figures, including BNP leaders Dr Moin Khan and Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Mayer Dak chief coordinator Sanjida Islam Tuli and Hasnat Abdullah.

Representatives from Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam and other organizations were also present, with demands for accountability and justice resonating throughout the event.