Left-leaning student leaders on Thursday protested against the interim government’s moves to allow a humanitarian channel to the conflict-ridden Rakhine State of Myanmar and to hand over the Chattogram port to foreign operators.
They said that the interim government did not have the mandate to made decision on providing a humanitarian channel and handing over a port to foreign operators.
They demanded that the government discuss with people and all political parties before making any decision on the issues related with national interests.
The student leaders made the remarks at a protest rally organised by the Democratic Student Alliance, a combine of seven student wings of left-leaning political parties, at the foot of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus.
Socialist Students’ Front general secretary Rafiqujjaman Farid alleged that the then government in 2002 had tried to lease the port to a foreign company but could not do so amid protests.
About a humanitarian channel, he warned the government not to fall into the imperialists’ trap for war.
Bangladesh Students’ Union president Tamzid Haider Chanchol alleged that Bangladesh was being pushed towards a war in the name of ‘humanitarian corridor’.
‘The interim government’s anti-people attitude has gradually been coming to light,’ said Tamzid, demanding the government not to take any decision hampering the country’s interest and the interest of the people.
Revolutionary Student Unity general secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel, Democratic Students’ Council president Saiedul Hoq Nissan, Students’ Federation of Bangladesh vice-president Dipa Mallick and Biplabi Chhatra-Juba Andolan Dhaka metropolitan unit convener Naim Uddin also spoke at the rally.
The combine brought out a procession marching different roads on the DU campus before the rally to press their demands.
National security adviser Khalilur Rahman, also the chief adviser’s high representative for the Rohingya issue, said on Wednesday that the interim government was considering the United Nations’ proposal for channelling humanitarian aid to the Rakhine state of Myanmar through Bangladesh.
Earlier on April 27, foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain disclosed Bangladesh’s position on the United Nations proposal for providing a humanitarian channel to the Rakhine state struggling amid a civil war since 2021, drawing criticisms from various quarters, including politicians.
During a visit to the New Mooring Container Terminal of Chattogram port on May 14, Bangladesh interim government chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus underscored the need for engaging foreign expertise and cooperation to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the port.
