Five-Point Demand
The five-point demand is a state reform manifesto jointly issued by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee in Bangladesh in October 2024, advocating for sweeping political and constitutional changes to dismantle what they describe as a "fascist political settlement" and replace it with a democratic one.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][excessive citations]
The five-point demand consists of the complete abolition of the 1972 “Mujibist” Constitution, the removal of President Mohammad Shahabuddin, a ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the invalidation of the past three parliamentary elections (2014, 2018, and 2024), and the proclamation of a second republic of Bangladesh.[8][7][9] Giving into the five-point demand, the interim government imposed a ban on the Chhatra League after the announcement of the five-point demand.[10]
Background
[edit]
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is rooted in previous student-led protests, particularly those concerning the 2018 government job quota reform movement. Discontent grew as students demanded fairer representation and job opportunities, free from the constraints of a heavily politicized quota system, which favored the descendants of freedom fighters. The government’s response to these protests, often characterized by police crackdowns and alleged suppression by the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the Awami League’s student wing, intensified public dissatisfaction. The perception of widespread nepotism, combined with authoritarian practices, further fueled unrest.
By 2024, this simmering dissatisfaction had transformed into a mass movement. The July Revolution, as it became known, represented a turning point, leading to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government, and eventually catalyzing the demands for radical reform.[11] The student-led protests called for structural changes that extended beyond political figures, signaling a desire for a fundamental shift in governance to restore democratic rights and ensure fair representation.
The five-point demand
[edit] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (October 2024) |
Abolishment of the 1972 Constitution
[edit]The demand for ending the 1972 Constitution calls for a complete restructuring of the country's legal and political framework.[12] The student movement leaders argue that the current constitution no longer serves the democratic ideals of a modern Bangladesh, particularly given its amendments under the ruling Awami League, which many believe have been tailored to cement the party’s power. The proposed new constitution would be based on the "spirit of the July Revolution" in 2024, aiming to reflect public will and democratic inclusivity free from historical partisan biases.
Removal of President Mohammad Shahabuddin
[edit]Student leaders demand the resignation of President Shahabuddin, citing his violation of oath by lying about the resignation of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and his complicity in Hasina's crackdown on students, particularly his perceived silence on or endorsement of violent responses to peaceful protests.[13][14] Accusations include his silence condoning actions that led to injuries and deaths of protestors. The movement frames this demand as a stand against authoritarianism, representing a call for leadership that is responsive and accountable to the people.
Ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League
[edit]The BCL, the student wing of the ruling Awami League, has been characterized by the student leaders as a "terrorist organization."[10] Allegedly involved in violent attacks on student protestors and frequently accused of intimidation tactics, the BCL is seen by the movement as a tool of state repression that undermines democratic protest. The movement demands a permanent ban on the organization to reduce political violence and ensure a more neutral space for political participation in educational institutions.
Invalidation of the past three parliamentary elections
[edit]The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee contend that the past three parliamentary elections were fundamentally flawed, marred by alleged voter suppression, rigging, and a lack of transparency. By declaring these elections illegal, the student leaders aim to delegitimize the current political elite, demanding that those elected during these years have their wealth confiscated and be barred from future political roles. This step, they argue, is necessary to restore public faith in the electoral process and ensure that future elections are conducted with integrity.
Proclamation of a New Republic
[edit]The students also called for a “Proclamation of the Republic,” advocating a completely liberal democratic overhaul of the political system that would enable all political organizations, regardless of ideology, to participate freely.[15] This demand is rooted in a desire for a multi-party democracy where right-wing, centrist and leftist groups can operate without suppression. By establishing a “New Republic,” the movement envisions a governance structure that represents the full political spectrum of Bangladesh’s population, moving away from the centralized power structure that they argue has enabled corruption and oppression.
Public reception
[edit]The public response to the five-point demands was warmly enthusiastic. Many saw the demands as a legitimate response to years of frustration under repressive fascist governance. Criticism of the demands mainly came from supporters of the Awami League and individuals benefiting from the current system, who labeled the demands as destabilizing and radical.
The five-point demand was endorsed by high-profile figuresnd intellectuals like Pinaki Bhattacharja[16] and Farhad Mazhar. Despite resistance from some conservative sections, the demands resonate with the broader population who desire a restoration of democratic norms and accountability from public officials.
References
[edit]- ^ "Anti-discrimination students demand termination of constitution, removal of president | News Flash". BSS. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Scrap '72 constitution, ban Chhatra League". The Daily Star. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "BNP, other parties ask if govt supports new demands of students". The Business Standard. 2024-10-28. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Bangladesh protesters seige presidential palace". The Economic Times. 2024-10-24. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Protesters besiege presidential palace, Banga Bhaban, in Bangladesh". The Express Tribune. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Overhaul of constitution, BCL ban: Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issues five demands". Daily Sun. 2024-10-22. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ a b "President seems on brink as student change-makers demand his exit". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ নতুন ৫ দফা দাবি ঘোষণা বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের. Kaler Kantho (in Bengali). 2024-10-22. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন কেন পাঁচ দফা দাবি করছে?. Jugantor (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ a b "Govt bans Chhatra League". Prothom Alo. 23 October 2024.
- ^ "The Bangladesh Student Movement that Transformed a Nation". LPE Project. 2024-10-09. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Students' Movement Against Discrimination issues 'Five Demands of Students and People'". New Age. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের পাঁচ দফা দাবী কী? কেন তারা করছে? (in Bengali). BBC News. 2024-10-23. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ "Anti-Discrimination Student Movement issues 5 demands". The Daily Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ সংবিধান বাতিলসহ পাঁচ দফা দাবি বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলনের. Bangladesh Pratidin (in Bengali). 2024-10-22. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
- ^ Pinaki Bhattacharya (2024-10-27). সাহাবুদ্দিন চুপ্পু কেন থাকবে না ? Pinaki Bhattacharya || The Untold. Retrieved 2024-10-29 – via YouTube.