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Fascism’s grip remains strong
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consensus to counter its resurgence. He urged the interim government to take proactive measures in this regard.
Barrister Andaleeve Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party, said, “We need to create opportunities for good people to enter politics.”
He cautioned against attributing the current movement solely to anti-discrimination student activists, saying it is a culmination of widespread anger over the last 15-17 years.
The roundtable featured over 20 discussants who shared personal experiences as victims of the Awami League regime.
Kalpana Akter, executive director of Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity, said workers are often scapegoated as instigators when they demand fair wages.
“Agencies have even been involved in the killing of labour leaders,” she said.
Mamun Abdullahi, a liaison committee member of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, expressed frustration over the lack of national consciousness in the country.
“After 53 years post-liberation, we remain divided along ethnic lines, hindering our progress as a nation,” he said.
Umama Fatima, another organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, highlighted the issue of mob justice, saying it contradicts the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising.
“Advisers should take swift action against those involved in such acts,” she urged.
Michael Chakma, an organiser of the United People’s Democratic Front, shared his experience of being detained for over five years.
“They labelled my pursuit of a separate ruling system in the hill tracts as anti-state, but we seek constitutional recognition,” he said.
Nurul Haque Nur, president of Gono Odhikar Parishad, shared his experiences with political coercion, suggesting the formation of a national interim government that includes leaders from various political factions.
Zillur Rahman, executive Director at CGS, facilitated the discussion, while other contributors included journalists Masood Kamal and Md Muktadir Rashid, Fact Check editor at AFP Bangladesh Qadaruddin Shishir, editor of Joban magazine Rezaul Karim Rony, Jagannath University student Khadijatul Kubra, Jatiya Nagorik Committee member Pritom Das, and political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman.
Together, they emphasised the urgent need for a unified front against the persistent threat of fascism in Bangladesh.

Nahid denies
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He advised individuals making such claims to verify facts with the relevant authorities before spreading misinformation.
Regarding the ongoing challenges in the CHT, Nahid highlighted the region’s long-standing internal issues, stressing that these problems must be solved domestically.
Nahid also urged all to remain vigilant as various efforts are being made to destabilise the country.