Left-leaning students at Dhaka University organized a musical procession on Friday to oppose the coalition led by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami post the February 12 general elections.
The demonstration, titled “Say No to the War Criminals’ Alliance,” commenced at 5 pm from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Participants paraded around the campus on a pickup van equipped with powerful speakers, playing Prince Mahmud’s renowned rock anthem “All Razakars will be washed into the Bay of Bengal.”
The procession included parody songs criticizing the contentious role of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, during the 1971 Liberation War.
Abu Mujahid Akash, one of the organizers, stated that the event celebrated the defeat of anti-liberation forces in the election. He condemned a recent decision by a new political platform linked to the July 2024 uprising to align with Jamaat, claiming this move had disappointed many supporters. Akash emphasized that their stance against any government diverting from the principles of July would remain unwavering.
Cultural activist Faria Motin (Ila lalalala), another key figure in the event, mentioned that while some voted for Jamaat, the majority upheld the spirit of the Liberation War. She highlighted the public enthusiasm for the anti-razakar songs, refuting claims that people no longer valued the War of Independence.
Despite the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s significant victory in the elections, the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance emerged as a notable force. Enamul Hasan Anoy from the Bangladesh Chhatra Union (Mahir Reza faction) expressed a mix of relief and caution, acknowledging Jamaat as the primary opposition but believing in the people’s ability to defeat them.
A momentary digital conflict arose when DUCSU President Abu Shadik Kayem shared a video of the procession on Facebook, urging an end to atrocities in people’s homes and markets. Anoy responded, advising the president to consider historical atrocities before making such statements.
The event reflected the students’ strong stance against the Jamaat-led coalition and their commitment to upholding the values of the Liberation War.
