Jatiya Nagorik Committee staged a protest on Wednesday night at Dhaka University’s Raju Sculpture, condemning the attempted murder of Anti-Discrimination Students Movement conveners Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam.
The two were reportedly targeted in a deliberate truck run-over incident while returning from Chattogram on Wednesday.
Students from various residential halls of Dhaka University joined the protest, extending solidarity against the attack.
Akthar Hossen, the member secretary of the committee and former social service secretary of Ducsu, put forward four key demands during the demonstration.
11-member committee announced at first national Anti-Corruption Coordination Council conference
The demands are liberating Bangladeshi Hindu community members from the influence of extremist Hinduism, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for creating instability in the country, identifying and appropriately punishing individuals involved in the violation of Hindu human rights over the past 15 years, and implementing effective measures to ensure the security and dignity of minority communities.
“There is a conspiracy against Bangladesh. Attempts are being made to create a division between Hindus and Muslims. But the people of Bangladesh have demonstrated that they will not fall into such traps. We, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and indigenous communities, are prepared to sacrifice our lives to protect our country,” Akhtar said.
Car of Sarjis and Hasnat's convoy involved in accident
Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud also addressed the gathering, saying, “The conspirators believe that by targeting Hasnat and Sarjis, they can undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty. But from secretaries to labourers, every citizen of this nation is a warrior. No one will accept Delhi's dominance or any form of fascism. Everyone is ready to lay down their life for this land.”