DU students on hunger strike over July charter, referendum

Dhaka University (DU) students passed one day of an indefinite hunger strike at TSC's Raju Sculpture, demanding the immediate legislative implementation of the July National Charter and referendum results. 

Sadiq Munwar Munem, an International Relations student and executive member of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall Union, began protest at 3:30 PM on Wednesday.

Munem is calling for key ordinances, including those concerning the prevention of enforced disappearances, to be tabled in Parliament as formal bills. 

“My body is weakening after nearly a day without food, but the spontaneous support from fellow students has strengthened my resolve,” Munem said on Thursday morning. 

He was later joined by several other students who expressed solidarity with his cause.

Protest has gained significant traction, with DUCSU VP Abu Shadik Kayem visiting the site on Wednesday night. Shadik said that the demands reflect frustrations of ordinary citizens, warning that the spirit of the new Bangladesh, born from the sacrifice of thousands, must not be undermined. 

He stood alongside other DUCSU representatives, including those from student transport and cultural units, to back the movement.

This escalation follows a press conference held Tuesday by DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair, who warned that ignoring the ‘70% public mandate’ from the referendum would lead to the public rejecting the government’s own legitimacy. 

Zubair criticised potential moves to weaken the Human Rights Commission and suggested that requiring government permission to investigate disappearances would only protect offenders.

Protesters are demanding a clear roadmap for all July Charter promises and have announced a torchlit procession from Science Lab to Shahbagh intersection for later this evening.

NRE/SH