Former spokesperson and coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), Umama Fatema, broke down in tears during a Facebook Live on Sunday night, asking, “Why has July become a money-making machine?”
In the nearly two-hour video, she said she never intended to harm or disrespect anyone. Recalling her experience during the movement, she reflected, “We never imagined that even children would take to the streets and sacrifice their lives. We fought with the people by our side, and that’s what kept us going for a year—because we were dreaming of something.”
Umama announced that she could no longer continue her involvement after 5 August. With a broader vision to serve the country, she left the student federation and began working independently, leading to her disassociation from the SAD platform. She mentioned that she had previously called for the platform to be dissolved.
Commenting on the role of coordinators during the July uprising, she said that although figures like 52, 62, or even 158 coordinators were often cited, most were ineffective. According to her, it was the spontaneous participation of the public that made the movement possible, and she received more support from people outside the coordinator circle.
She alleged that after 5 August, several individuals began using the title of “coordinator” to claim prominence in rallies and programmes—some even getting involved in extortion. “Are the coordinators turning into something like the Awami League’s guard force?” she asked. “They’re slowly taking control of everything.”
Umama also questioned the role of these coordinators following the fall of the Awami League government. She argued that a new platform is needed—one that is not limited to students but can include everyone. “The public uprising stemmed from the anti-discrimination movement, and that responsibility does not end here—it must go further.”
She further claimed that some individuals had exploited the movement for personal gain, manipulating tenders and lobbying, even influencing deputy commissioner appointments. “I never imagined this could become a money-making scheme. But after becoming a spokesperson, I discovered many were already involved in it,” she said.
In response to allegations of financial misconduct against her, she said, “Some people claim I made thousands of crores. Let me tell you, I come from a good family and live comfortably. I’m not in need. I don’t even need scholarships. My family supports me—they want me to do something for the country.”
Umama concluded by saying that raising these issues has earned her many enemies and led to misunderstandings. Yet, after travelling across various districts, she has found hope in the country’s youth, who, she believes, genuinely want to build a better future.