The Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) has called for a nationwide shutdown on November 10, outlining a series of political, educational and economic demands in a statement issued by its central executive committee.
In the statement, dated November 6, the organisation urged the immediate implementation of its demands, which it said were aimed at safeguarding people’s freedom, democracy, sovereignty and fundamental rights, as well as ensuring students’ rights to education.
Among its key demands, the organisation called for the cancellation of what it described as politically motivated verdicts delivered by an unlawful tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. It also demanded the withdrawal of what it termed false cases, the cancellation of verdicts issued by the Kangaroo Court and the release of political detainees.
The BCL further demanded the withdrawal of restrictions imposed on the Bangladesh Awami League and the Bangladesh Chhatra League.
On education, the organisation called for the restoration of students’ educational rights, the cancellation of expulsion orders, the reinstatement of academic certificates and guarantees of access to classroom education, examinations and residential facilities.
Its other demands included reducing the prices of electricity, fuel, gas, water and essential commodities; ensuring adequate supplies of daily necessities; and setting the minimum monthly wage for garment workers at Tk 30,000.
The organisation also called for an end to harassment in public-sector recruitment under the pretext of verification, an end to political screening, and guarantees of merit-based employment opportunities. It demanded an end to the politicisation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and called for allocating 6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to education.
Additionally, the BCL urged the establishment of educational institutions free from terrorism, militancy, extremism and communalism.
Nationwide shutdown programme
As part of the November 10 programme, the organisation announced that all educational institutions would remain closed and public transport services, including buses, trucks, trains and launches, would stay off the roads and waterways.
Shops, industrial establishments and factories would also remain closed. Government and private offices would suspend regular operations, while banking transactions and court activities would remain halted, according to the announcement.
However, emergency services, including ambulances and fire services, as well as mass media organisations, would remain outside the purview of the shutdown.
The BCL also called on students and young people across the country to support and actively participate in the programme.
The statement was signed by BCL President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
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