Left-leaning students at Dhaka University held a musical protest on Friday rejecting the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami-led coalition post the February 12 general elections. The demonstration, named “Juddhaporadhir Jote Ke Na Bolun” (Say No to the War Criminals’ Alliance), began at 5 pm from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Participants marched across the campus on a pickup truck with powerful speakers, playing Prince Mahmud’s famous rock anthem “Shob Razakar Bhaisha Jaibo Bongoposagore” (All Razakars will be washed into the Bay of Bengal).
The procession included satirical songs criticizing the role of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, during the 1971 Liberation War. Organizers like Abu Mujahid Akash expressed joy over the defeat of anti-liberation forces in the elections. Akash condemned a new political group associated with the July 2024 uprising for joining forces with Jamaat, stating that this move had alienated many supporters and betrayed public trust.
Faria Motin (Ila lalalala), a prominent figure in the event, highlighted that despite some support for Jamaat in the country, the majority still honored the spirit of the War of Independence. She emphasized that public enthusiasm during the anti-razakar songs’ performance indicated that claims of people disregarding the Liberation War were unfounded.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) won significantly in the February 12 polls, while the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance emerged as a strong entity. Enamul Hasan Anoy from the Bangladesh Chhatra Union (Mahir Reza faction) expressed relief mixed with caution, stating that although Jamaat remained a significant opposition, their confidence had been weakened.
A minor online conflict arose when DUCSU President Abu Shadik Kayem posted a video of the protest on Facebook, urging action against atrocities in people’s homes and markets. Anoy responded by advising Kayem to reflect on historical events like the 1971 genocide and subsequent campus violence. Kayem later removed the post.