Call to end movement by coordinators in DB custody fails to find traction

Staff Correspondent: In a video message released while under police custody, Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the quota reform movement, announced the withdrawal of their protest program on Sunday. Coordinators not under police custody moved quickly to assure the movement’s supporters that this was to be expected, and they agreed beforehand to reject or disregard any statement they or their fellow coordinators made while under police custody. Effectively accused was coerced into making this statement under duress.

On Friday, Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police detained Nahid Islam along with two other coordinators from a hospital, citing “security reasons,” and held them at the DB office. Despite requests from their families, including Nahid Islam’s mother, the detained coordinators were not allowed visitors.

Later that evening, a video message emerged in which Nahid Islam declared the cessation of the quota reform movement’s activities. In his written statement, Nahid expressed sorrow over the recent violence and fatalities associated with the movement, including incidents of arson at state facilities. He called for a thorough investigation and swift justice for these events.

“Our legitimate demand was for quota reform, which the government has already addressed. We now urge the government to expedite the reopening of educational institutions to ensure a conducive learning environment. In the interest of the greater good, we are withdrawing our program from this moment,” Nahid stated in a deadpan voice in the video

During the video message, five other coordinators were seen seated beside him in DB custody.

However, two other coordinators in hiding have claimed that the statement was extracted through coercion. Abdul Kader, one of the coordinators, released a statement condemning the alleged forced confession and accusing the government of engaging in despicable practices to obtain statements under duress.

Another coordinator, Abdul Hannan Masud, expressed in a text message that the statement was obtained through blackmail and threats, which he asserted the student community would not accept.

Over the past three days, the DB has taken six key coordinators of the quota movement, including Nahid Islam, into custody.

On Sunday afternoon, DB Chief Harun-or-Rashid asserted the coordinators were detained for “security reasons.”

Later, a photo of the coordinators at a dining table was posted on Harunur Rashid’s Facebook page, followed shortly by the release of Nahid Islam’s video message. The other coordinators present with Islam were Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakar Mojumdar, Sarjess Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum. The first five were known to have been picked up in two drives over the weekend. Nusrat Tabassum’s presence, however, came as a surprise.