Five-Point Demand

Background

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Perspective

The Students Against Discrimination is rooted in previous student-led protests, particularly those concerning the 2018 government job quota reform movement. Discontent grew as students demanded fairer representation and job opportunities, free from the constraints of a heavily politicised quota system, which favoured the descendants of freedom fighters. The government's response to these protests, often characterised by police crackdowns and alleged suppression by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the Awami League's student wing, intensified public dissatisfaction. The perception of widespread nepotism, combined with authoritarian practices, further fueled unrest. By 2024, this simmering dissatisfaction had transformed into a mass movement. The July Revolution, as it became known, represented a turning point, leading to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government, and eventually catalysing the demands for radical reform.^[11] The student-led protests called for structural changes that extended beyond political figures, signaling a desire for a fundamental shift in governance to restore democratic rights and ensure fair representation.

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The five-point demand

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Perspective

This section needs additional citations for verification. (October 2024)

Abolishment of the 1972 Constitution

The demand for ending the 1972 Constitution calls for a complete restructuring of the country's legal and political framework.^[12] The student movement leaders argue that the current constitution no longer serves the democratic ideals of a modern Bangladesh, particularly given its amendments under the ruling Awami League, which many believe have been tailored to cement the party's power. The proposed new constitution would be based on the "spirit of the July Revolution" in 2024, aiming to reflect public will and democratic inclusivity free from historical partisan biases.^{[citation needed]}

Removal of President Mohammad Shahabuddin

Student leaders demand the resignation of President Shahabuddin, citing his violation of oath by lying about the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and his complicity in Hasina's crackdown on students, particularly his perceived silence on or endorsement of violent responses to peaceful protests.^[13]^[14] Accusations include his silence condoning actions that led to injuries and deaths of protestors. The movement frames this demand as a stand against authoritarianism, representing a call for leadership that is responsive and accountable to the people.^{[citation needed]}

Ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League

The BCL, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, has been characterised by the student leaders as a "terrorist organisation".^[10] Allegedly involved in violent attacks on student protestors and frequently accused of intimidation tactics, the BCL is seen by the movement as a tool of state repression that undermines democratic protest. The movement demands a permanent ban on the organisation to reduce political violence and ensure a more neutral space for political participation in educational institutions.^{[citation needed]}

Invalidation of the past three parliamentary elections

Both platforms contend that the past three parliamentary elections were fundamentally flawed, marred by alleged voter suppression, rigging, and a lack of transparency. By declaring these elections illegal, the student leaders aim to delegitimise the current political elite, demanding that those elected during these years have their wealth confiscated and be barred from future political roles. This step, they argue, is necessary to restore public faith in the electoral process and ensure that future elections are conducted with integrity.^{[citation needed]}

Proclamation of a New Republic

The students also called for a "Proclamation of the Republic", advocating a completely liberal democratic overhaul of the political system that would enable all political organisations, regardless of ideology, to participate freely.^[15] This demand is rooted in a desire for a multi-party democracy where right-wing, centrist and leftist groups can operate without suppression. By establishing a "New Republic", the movement envisions a governance structure that represents the full political spectrum of Bangladesh's population, moving away from the centralised power structure that they argue has enabled corruption and oppression.^{[citation needed]}

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Public reception

The public response to the five-point demands was warmly enthusiastic.^{[citation needed]} Many saw the demands as a legitimate response to years of frustration under perceived repressive governance. Criticism of the demands mainly came from supporters of the Awami League who labeled the demands as destabilising and radical.^{[citation needed]}

The five-point demand was endorsed by activists and intellectuals like Pinaki Bhattacharya,^[16] Rifat Hasan and Farhad Mazhar.^{[citation needed]}