Amid the ongoing protests to realize a nine-point demand, a division has become apparent among Khulna activists. While one faction has decided to withdraw the movement, another group remains adamant about continuing the protests.
On Tuesday night around 11pm, a meeting was held at the Khulna Circuit House. Key attendees included Khulna City Corporation Mayor Talukdar Abdul Khalque, local lawmaker SM Kamal, Khulna’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Nazmul Hussain Khan, Khulna Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Commissioner Rakibul Hasan, Khulna city Jubo League President Shafiqul Rahman Palash and General Secretary Sheikh Shahjalal Hossain Sujan, Khulna city Chhatra League General Secretary Assaduzzaman Russell, and Khulna University’s Students Affair Assistant Secretary Mohammad Rakibul Hasan Siddiqui. Eleven protesters representing seven educational institutions, including Khulna University (KU), also participated.
KU student Jahurul Tanvir, who was present at the meeting, noted the lack of a formal coordinator for the university’s unit of the movement. “Students have spontaneously participated in past movements,” he said. “We attended the discussion through our teachers. The lawmaker and administrative officials assured us of justice for all deaths, including KU students, through proper investigation.”
Tanvir added that they decided to withdraw their program to prevent any group from inciting violence under the guise of the movement.
Rafsan Jany, representing Azam Khan College, confirmed their decision. “The lawmaker thanked us for observing the programs peacefully, and we have withdrawn our activities,” he said.
Lawmaker SM Kamal assured the students, “No case will be lodged against students in Khulna. If any cases are lodged, they will be withdrawn.”
However, not all protesters agreed with this decision. On messaging platform Telegram, a faction led by coordinator Miraj announced their intention to continue the movement. They alleged that KU students were coerced into holding a press conference to announce the withdrawal.
“We cannot abandon our nine-point demand,” said one protester from Miraj’s group. “Our fight for justice must continue.”