ছবি: Photo: Collected
Prominent student leader Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has reportedly been the target of yet another attempt on his life. The alleged incident occurred on Thursday in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area, where a vehicle purportedly tried to run him over. The alarming news came to light when Hannan Masud, a co-coordinator of the movement, shared the details in a Facebook post shortly after the incident.
Details of the Incident
The incident took place in broad daylight, further underscoring the increasing risks faced by activists advocating for social justice. Witnesses claimed that an unidentified vehicle approached Hasnat at high speed, narrowly missing him as he managed to evade the attack. The situation left the activist shaken but unharmed.
Hannan Masud’s social media post described the incident as a deliberate attempt to silence Hasnat and deter the ongoing anti-discrimination movement. “This is not the first time such an attack has occurred. It highlights the dangers of standing up against systemic inequality,” Masud wrote, urging authorities to take immediate action to ensure Hasnat’s safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Recurring Threats to Activists
This is not the first time Hasnat Abdullah has been targeted. The student leader has faced repeated threats and harassment over his involvement in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which advocates for marginalized communities and calls for policy reforms to address social inequalities. Activists believe these attacks are orchestrated to intimidate and suppress their efforts.
Earlier this year, Hasnat survived a similar vehicular assault in Dhaka, prompting widespread condemnation from civil society groups and demands for enhanced protection for activists. Despite assurances from law enforcement, the recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about the state of security for those challenging systemic injustices.
Condemnation and Calls for Justice
The latest attack has sparked outrage among activists, human rights organizations, and students nationwide. Many took to social media to express their solidarity with Hasnat and demand accountability.
Prominent activist groups have issued statements condemning the incident, describing it as an attack not only on Hasnat but also on the broader movement for justice and equality. “Targeting a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is an attack on the fundamental rights of citizens to organize and speak out against injustice,” one statement read.
Students and supporters have announced plans for demonstrations across the country to demand swift action from the authorities. They also called for stricter measures to protect activists and ensure a safe environment for advocacy.
Authorities’ Response
So far, there has been no official statement from law enforcement agencies regarding the incident. However, activists have urged police to investigate the matter thoroughly and identify those behind the attack. They stressed the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable to prevent further attempts on the lives of activists.
“We demand immediate intervention from law enforcement. The recurring nature of these attacks highlights a pattern that cannot be ignored,” said a member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The series of attacks on activists like Hasnat Abdullah underscores the growing challenges faced by social justice movements in Bangladesh. While these movements play a crucial role in advocating for equality and reform, their leaders often find themselves targeted by those who view their work as a threat.
This incident adds to the list of concerns regarding the freedom of expression and safety of activists in the country. If left unaddressed, such threats could deter young leaders from stepping forward to lead critical movements for change.
As the nation watches, the outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for how Bangladesh protects its activists and upholds their rights to advocate for justice. Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement remains resolute, with Hasnat Abdullah and his team vowing to continue their fight against inequality despite the risks.
repoter
