The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has postponed its announced mass gathering programme following a request from Inqilab Moncho amid clashes between protesters and police over the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi.
The decision was announced on Friday night at a press conference held in front of the Ducsu building by General Secretary SM Farhad.
Farhad said leaders of Inqilab Moncho had repeatedly contacted Ducsu, expressing concerns that a section of the Awami League, along with police, was attempting to provoke unrest during the ongoing movement.
Earlier on Friday, Inqilab Moncho organised a march toward Jamuna, the residence of the Chief Adviser, demanding a United Nations-led investigation into the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi and punishment of those responsible.
Clashes broke out during the march, prompting several university student unions to call protests. As part of that response, Ducsu announced a mass gathering, which was later postponed at Inqilab Moncho’s request.
Farhad said nationwide protests following Hadi’s killing had raised expectations of swift action from the interim government but alleged that recent events suggested delays in ensuring justice.
He criticised the role of law enforcement, alleging repeated attacks on protesters and claiming that elements linked to the Awami League were working in coordination with police to disrupt the movement.
He also alleged attempts to sabotage Inqilab Moncho’s blockade programme at Shahbag by infiltrating the gathering and diverting it from its stated demands.
Farhad said Ducsu had temporarily suspended Friday’s programme but would organise future initiatives to press the interim government to ensure justice for Hadi’s killing.
Ducsu Assistant General Secretary Md Mahiuddin, Executive Members Raihan Uddin and Raisul Islam, and Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Affairs Secretary Umme Salma were present at the press conference.
