Old fascism is returning anew: Sadik Kayem

Speaking at a freshman reception and career guidance event organized by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir at Dhaka College on Monday (12 October), he made these remarks.

Sadik Kayem said that after the July Revolution, there was an expectation that student politics would be for the welfare of students, merit- and competence-based, and centered on student councils. With this goal in mind, elections to five student councils, including Daksu, were held. He also remarked that the old culture of occupation, common rooms and guest rooms on campus must not be allowed to return.

Criticizing the country's political leadership, the Daksu VP accused leaders who were in power at various times of extortion, tender manipulation, terrorism and money laundering. He said that whoever is involved in injustice and occupation, students must remain united against them.

Praising the students of Dhaka College, he said the Science Lab area played an important role in the July movement. He also emphasized developing students' intellect, competence and morality to provide the country's future leadership. On this occasion, he called for following the ideals of martyrs Usman Hadi and Abrar Fahad.

Regarding building students' careers, Sadik Kayem said that only what subject or institution one studies in is not the sole determinant of success; rather, making good use of time, planning and acquiring skills are important. He advised students to increase communication skills, learn foreign languages and participate in co-curricular activities.

Raising the issue of Daksu's job fair, he claimed that more than 30 Chinese companies participated there and more than 400 students got jobs immediately. According to him, the salaries of these jobs ranged from Tk 60,000 to Tk 300,000.

At the end of his speech, he demanded the implementation of the unfinished work of the martyrs of the July Revolution, the effective implementation of the people's mandate of the referendum, and the trial of persons involved in fascist activities. Sadik Kayem also expressed concern over the energy crisis and occupation in various sectors.

The event was presided over by Mostakim Ahmed, president of the Dhaka College branch of Chhatra Shibir, and conducted by the branch secretary, Saimun Islam Sani. The chief guest was the organization's central secretary general Sibgatullah Sibga. The chief discussant was former central president Zahidul Islam. Also present were central finance secretary Anisur Rahman Anis, former college affairs secretary Abdullah Al Maruf, and other leaders and activists of the organization.