Students have staged protests at Khamarbari in the capital, demanding the removal of secretaries and bureaucrats appointed during the tenure of the ousted Awami League government.

The demonstration, which began on Sunday afternoon, is still going on at the time of reporting.

Anti-fascist students of various educational institutions, including Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), joined the protests.

In response to the escalating situation, members of the army, police and other security forces have been deployed to the scene.

Rahat Hossain, a student of SAU, said, “During the authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, bureaucrats stationed at Khamarbari worked in favour of the fascist regime. They continue to hold their positions, which is not beneficial for our country.”

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“They have been attempting to render our agricultural sector ineffective. That is why we are demanding the removal of all bureaucrats from Hasina’s tenure. We will not leave the streets until our demands are met,” he added.

Rahaat also emphasised that the issue extends beyond the agricultural sector. “Not just in agriculture, but in every sector, those officials who enjoyed undue privileges under Hasina’s rule must also be removed.”

Students claim that bureaucrats, particularly secretaries, played a crucial role in the administration of Sheikh Hasina’s government. It is alleged that she strategically appointed loyal secretaries and officials in key ministries and departments.

Nazrul Islam, a student activist leading the anti-fascist movement at SAU, said, “We will march to the Secretariat while others will continue their sit-in here. If our demands are not met, we will continue our movement.”