The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has issued a chilling warning – “July will return again.” This message, posted on the organization’s verified Facebook page at 6:39 PM on Monday (28 July), hints at a repeat of the bloody and protest-filled July of 2024 in Bangladesh.
In the post, the organization said, “If constitutional institutions including the PSC are not allowed to function independently, July will return again. The repetition of Hasina’s mistakes will be dangerous!”
Background of the Warning
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is currently grappling with an internal crisis. On 27 July, former coordinator and current president of the organization’s central committee Rifat Rashid announced in a press conference that all organizational activities, except those of the central committee, have been suspended nationwide.
He stated,
“According to the organizational structure, all committees across the country except for the central committee are hereby suspended.”
Rifat further alleged that defeated forces are trying to tarnish the movement’s banner. He urged law enforcement to take legal action against those using the movement’s name for unethical purposes.
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Extortion Allegations and Remand Petition
The suspension announcement followed controversial allegations of extortion. According to the complaint, Abdur Razzak Riyad, the acting convener of the organization’s combined private university wing, visited the residence of former MP Shammi Ahmed in Gulshan on the morning of 17 July and demanded 50 lakh BDT and gold jewelry.
As per the case file, Riyad and his associates allegedly intimidated Siddiq Abu Zafar, the complainant, and extorted 10 lakh BDT half from him directly and half from his brother.
On Sunday (27 July), a case was filed at Gulshan Police Station by Siddiq Abu Zafar, naming six individuals:
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Abdur Razzak Riyad
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Kazi Gaurab Apu
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Sakadaun Siam
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Sadman Sadab
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Md. Ibrahim Hossain
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Md. Aminul Islam (a minor in conflict with the law)
Remand Petition for the Accused
Police have applied for a 10-day remand for four of the accused, including Riyad.
The other three for whom remand has been sought are:
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Sakadaun Siam
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Sadman Sadab
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Md. Ibrahim Hossain
A hearing on the remand petition will take place at the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court.
The Shadow of July and Its Political Implication
The reference to “July will return” in the movement’s post clearly points to the July 2024 student uprising, which saw unprecedented protests, police crackdowns, and deaths in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh.
The phrase “Hasina’s mistake repetition” is a direct critique of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s governance particularly the alleged erosion of independence in state institutions and growing accusations of corruption.
This warning and the surrounding incidents highlight a new chapter in youth-led movements, organizational fragility, and political tension in Bangladesh.
On one hand, the organization itself is mired in serious extortion allegations, while on the other, it’s delivering stark warnings to the government are revealing a paradox of internal collapse and external defiance.
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All regional committees of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have been suspended, leaving only the central committee active.
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Six individuals, including Abdur Razzak Riyad, have been accused of extortion; police have sought remand for four.
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On Facebook, the organization warned: “July will return again, Hasina’s mistake repetition is dangerous.”
This situation could stir political tensions further. Alongside the government, opposition parties, students, and civil society are now closely watching the developments. Whether July truly returns or this warning fades into oblivion only time will tell.
