17 leaders of JU Anti-Discrimination Student Movement step down
The movement has strayed from its founding principles, they say
Seventeen coordinators and co-coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of Jahangirnagar University unit have stepped down from their roles, citing concerns over the movement's direction and leadership failures.
The announcement was made during a press briefing held today (3 October) at the university's Student-Teacher Centre (TSC).
In a written statement, the resigned leaders listed several reasons for their departure, including the failure of some coordinators to promote the movement on a national level, instances of discriminatory behaviour, and alleged involvement of two members of the platform in the lynching of former Chhatra League leader Shamim Molla.
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The leaders expressed frustration at the coordination committee's inability to reach a unified stance on these issues.
Among those who resigned as coordinators are Abdur Rashid Jitu, Rudra Muhammad Safiullah, Haseeb Zaman, Zahidul Islam Imon, Fahmida Faiza, Rokaia Jannat Jhalak, Mishu Khatun, Rafid Hasan Rajan, Hasanur Rahman Sumon, Abdul Hai Swapan, Naseem Al Tariq, and Aindrila Majumdar.
The co-coordinators who resigned are Zia Uddin Ayan, Tanjim Ahmed, Zahidul Islam Bappi, and Saidul Islam.
At the briefing, Abdur Rashid Jitu, who had been serving as the central coordinator before his resignation, said, "The movement, which began as a fight against fascism, originally focused on nine key demands, including the prohibition of partisan student politics, the prosecution of those responsible for the July massacre, and compensation for the injured.
"The movement has strayed from its founding principles."
Jitu criticised the movement's leadership for remaining silent on these core issues,and argued that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has shifted towards becoming a government-aligned student organisation, betraying its original values.
The resigned coordinators emphasised that the "second freedom" achieved on 5 August belongs to all citizens, regardless of their social status, profession, or opinions. They rejected the idea that any single person or group could claim sole credit for the movement's success.
They pledged to continue their efforts to safeguard this "second freedom," which they described as the product of the people's sacrifices and dedication.
The coordination committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's Jahangirnagar University unit was formed on 13 July with 41 members – 14 co-coordinators and 23 coordinators. Earlier in August, two coordinators and one co-coordinator resigned voluntarily, while two others were suspended, allegedly in connection with the killing of Shamim Molla.
