Three students continued their indefinite hunger strike at the foot of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University on Thursday, marking the second consecutive day of their protest.
They are demanding the implementation of the July Charter, enforcement of the referendum verdict, and protection of state institutions from political influence.
The students are also urging that key ordinances be tabled in Parliament as bills.
The protest began on Wednesday, led by Md Sadiq Munwar Munem, an executive member of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall council. Shortly after, Sakibur Rahman and Iqbal Hossain Shahin of North South University joined the hunger strike in solidarity.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, Sadiq Munwar said, “We have been on hunger strike since yesterday. We will continue until a final decision is made; otherwise, we will remain here indefinitely.”
He added, “State institutions must not be politicised. The ordinances and the July Charter must be implemented exactly as outlined, reflecting the demands of the majority of the people.”
The students’ demands include ending the political spectacle surrounding the referendum, presenting referendum-related issues in parliament, implementing the public mandate, and introducing key ordinances, including measures to prevent and remedy enforced disappearances, as parliamentary bills.
They also called for a comprehensive roadmap to implement the remaining provisions of the July Charter beyond the referendum issues.
Earlier on Wednesday night, Sadiq Kayem and other Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) leaders visited the hunger strike site to express their support.
