Student Leaders to Target Police Command in Tribunal

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has formally initiated the process of identifying police personnel who presided over the lethal suppression of the July uprising. During a briefing at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Sunday evening, Rifat Rashid, the organisation’s president, confirmed that meticulous lists are being drafted to name every Officer-in-Charge (OC) and Superintendent of Police (SP) stationed in areas where protesters were killed. These documents are intended to serve as the foundation for new prosecutions at the International Crimes Tribunal, ensuring that the chain of command—from local station heads to district chiefs—is held legally responsible for the loss of life.

The announcement marks a rigorous new phase in the movement’s quest for justice following the collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024. While senior figures, including the former Prime Minister and Home Minister, have already faced the Tribunal’s judgement, student leaders argue that the mid-level officers who executed the orders must also face the consequences. Rashid emphasised that the “age of hesitation” is over, asserting that the movement will now focus on direct legal action against those who orchestrated the crackdown on students and the general public.

In addition to the pledge of prosecution, the movement has presented the interim administration with a three-point ultimatum. Central to these demands is the immediate and unconditional release of Mahdi Hasan, a prominent coordinator from Habiganj, and the removal of the Shayestaganj OC. Furthermore, the leadership is demanding a presidential ordinance within 24 hours to grant total indemnity to all participants of the revolution for their activities between 1 July and 8 August. This legal shield is viewed as essential to protect the “student-worker-public” coalition from future harassment or politically motivated litigation.

The movement is also advocating for a permanent commission to recognise the contributions of members of the armed forces and civil administration who supported the revolution. They have called for the swift promotion of officers who were historically marginalised by the previous regime since 2009. With Chief Coordinator Hasib al-Islam and other senior members in attendance, the press conference concluded with a firm warning that the students would continue to apply direct pressure on the Law and Home Advisors to ensure these mandates are met without further delay.

Core Demands of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement