C T Online Desk: Sarjis Alam, one of the key coordinators of the recent student movement that led to the fall of the Awami League government, has said those who stripped people naked and assaulted them in various places in Dhaka, including Dhanmondi 32, on National Mourning Day on August 15, violated human rights.
“There have been many unexpected incidents in different parts of Dhaka, including Dhanmondi 32, which do not go with the spirit of our mass uprising,” Sarjis said while talking to reporters at Dhaka University’s Amar Ekushey Hall on Friday morning.
“The platform is not an authority, but a ‘pressure group,’” he said.
Sarjis said: “We have seen viral videos showing people being humiliated and assaulted, including elders being forced to squat while holding their ears and others stripped naked. Phones were checked, women were physically attacked, and journalists faced violence.
“The uprising was against the torture and oppression of the last 16 years, against the right to speak, against corruption, and oppression. Our goal is a Bangladesh where everyone can speak freely and work according to their beliefs. We saw students involved in such activities, but their specific ideologies are unclear.”
Referring to platform members’ discussion on Thursday night, Sarjis said: “We are investigating if any coordinators are involved in these violations; those found linked will be expelled. We will also take legal action against anyone who stripped or assaulted others, ensuring justice through our student representatives in the interim government.”
He continued: “Our message was clear on Thursday at Dhanmondi 32. We cannot prevent anyone from paying respects with flowers. In Bangladesh, often only those in power are honoured, overshadowing others. Every significant contributor to our history deserves recognition and respect, without political bias. This includes Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman.
“We do not support actions that further political vendettas, even after a major uprising. Anyone from our group involved in such actions should be boycotted.”
