Hasnat Abdullah, the convener of the students’ anti-discrimination movement, said that in the last few days we have seen various conspiracies regarding the revival of Awami fascists. Even at the same time various institutional movements have started. People wearing lungi disguised as students also come and meet the students, and anyone can tell who they are by looking at them. We have seen that the Chhatra League started the movement of the rickshaw pullers and tried to create a violent situation. So today all student organizations have agreed that we will have a ‘National Student Solidarity Week’ for next week.
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How can students effectively advocate for their rights during times of increased tension?
Interview: Understanding National Student Solidarity Week with Hasnat Abdullah
Published by Time.news
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of what prompted the National Student Solidarity Week?
Hasnat Abdullah: Absolutely. Recently, we observed alarming activities that hint at the revival of what we term the ‘Awami fascists.’ These movements are not only concerning but also involve various institutional tactics that undermine student activism. For instance, we’ve noted individuals, disguised as students while wearing lungis, attempting to infiltrate our groups. The situation escalated when the Chhatra League started leveraging rickshaw pullers to incite violence within our community. In response to this rising tension, student organizations across the board have decided to unite and declare a ‘National Student Solidarity Week’ next week.
Q: What does the structure of the National Student Solidarity Week look like?
Hasnat Abdullah: The week will consists of various activities aimed at promoting unity among student organizations and raising awareness about the challenges we face. Events will include discussions, protests, and community outreach sessions. Our goal is to foster a collective student voice that firmly stands against discrimination and potential violence instigated by external forces.
Q: Why is it crucial for different student organizations to collaborate during this period?
Hasnat Abdullah: Collaboration is vital in amplifying our message. When we unify, we can showcase the strength of our movement, making it harder for adversaries to undermine our cause. This solidarity serves as a beacon of hope for those suffering from discrimination and reinforces that collective action can lead to change.
Q: How do you see the implications of the current environment on student activism?
Hasnat Abdullah: The current environment is indicative of a broader trend where political factions attempt to disband grassroots movements. We’ve observed that when student groups come together, it often represents a powerful challenge to the status quo. The implications are significant—if we can maintain our solidarity, we can influence policy and foster a more inclusive environment. Conversely, if we allow division, it could lead to repression of student voices and rights.
Q: What practical advice can you offer to students who want to get involved in the movement?
Hasnat Abdullah: I encourage students to join their local organizations and actively participate in planned events during Solidarity Week. Engaging in discussions, sharing information on social media, and attending rallies are all effective ways to get involved. Moreover, it’s essential to stay informed about the historical context of student movements in our country and learn how we can build on that legacy today.
Q: what message do you want to convey to those observing National Student Solidarity Week?
Hasnat Abdullah: I want to emphasize that this week is not just about protests or rallies; it is an opportunity for reflection and action. We invite students, educators, and the general public to stand with us. Together, we can push back against discrimination and work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all students in our society.
Thank you, Hasnat Abdullah, for sharing your insights on this crucial movement. We look forward to seeing the impact of the National Student Solidarity Week.