Allegations of Bias and Misconduct Trigger Leadership Walkout

In Sirajganj, fifty leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement resigned within just 48 hours of the announcement of the new convening committee. They announced their resignation today, Sunday afternoon, at a press conference held at the Sirajganj Press Club. They alleged that the newly declared committee was illegal and one-sided.

Among those who resigned are Senior Joint Member-Secretary Yasir Arafat Ishan, Joint Conveners Asir Intesar Ayon, TM Mushfiq Saad, Rahat Talukdar, Sadman Jahin, organiser Zubair Al Islam Sejan, Senior Co-Spokesperson Sadia Ahmed Sinha, and Joint Chief Organiser Anjarul Islam, among others.

At the press conference, they alleged that the central committee had announced the new committee secretly without dissolving the previous one. No discussions were held with the local leaders regarding the process, which they claimed goes against the democratic practices and principles of the organisation.

They further stated in their resignation letters that the new committee included individuals accused of extortion, drug involvement and working for rival political parties. For the sake of principles and ethics, they expressed their unwillingness to remain in such a committee.

The student leaders said, ‘We had expected that the committee would be formed through a democratic procedure. But the announcement was made after midnight. We will go to Dhaka and speak to the central leadership—how much money was exchanged for the approval of this committee, we will also discuss that.’

On the other hand, the newly appointed convener, Muntasir Hasan Mehedi, said, ‘Many were not given positions previously because they associated with us, yet this time they have been given good positions.’

He further stated, ‘There are some NCP leaders in Sirajganj who are responsible for the current condition of the organisation. Out of a hundred members, criticism from fifty would be normal, but here only a few are criticising.’

It may be noted that on 28 November, Central President Rifat Rashid, Chief Coordinator Hasib Al Islam and Organising Secretary Moinul Islam approved the new 208-member convening committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Sirajganj District Branch for a six-month term.

Khaborwala/SS