Labeling Students as “Rajakars’ Grandchildren” Was Disrespectful: Nahid in Statement

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News Desk: Labeling students as “Rajakars’ grandchildren” during the July movement was disrespectful, said Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP).

On Wednesday (17 September), Nahid made the statement in his deposition as the 47th witness in the case filed against Sheikh Hasina and three others regarding crimes against humanity committed during the July popular uprising.

Nahid Islam said in his deposition, “On 14 July 2023, Sheikh Hasina held a press conference. We had expected her to support the protesters, but instead, she sided with the quota system, referring to the protesting students as ‘children’ and ‘grandchildren’ of Rajakars. This statement effectively legitimized attacks against the protesters.”

He added, “Historically, any legitimate protest against the government was dismissed by labeling the participants as ‘children of Rajakars.’ Such tags were humiliating for students, prompting them to take to the streets in protest that very night, including at Dhaka University and other educational institutions nationwide.”

Nahid further noted that after universities were ordered closed on 17 July, pressure was exerted on protesters. Security forces warned that without compromise, repression would intensify. Nevertheless, the students clearly stated that there would be no dialogue with the government while it stood on bloodshed.

He said, “Following the call for a complete shutdown on 18 July, people and students across the country joined the streets. Notably, students from madrasas and private universities also participated.”

Nahid alleged that police opened fire indiscriminately in areas including Badda, Uttara, Mirpur, and Jatrabari, while activists from the Awami League—including Chhatra League and Jubo League members—also participated in attacks, resulting in many casualties and injuries. He described the then-government as fascist, having seized power by stripping voting rights in three elections and politicizing state institutions.

He further stated, “By 2018, there were suspicions that the Sheikh Hasina government never intended to implement quota reforms fully, instead waiting for a political opportunity to restore them. This was eventually realized after the 2024 elections.”