New fascism emerging, warns Anu Muhammad

Anu Muhammad, a former Jahangirnagar University professor and member of the Gonotantril Odhikar Committee, warned of a rising fascist threat in society. 

“We are hearing the sound of a new fascism. A fascist force is spreading across society, and we must resist it,” he said during a ‘Citizen Solidarity Rally’ held Saturday afternoon in front of Dhaka University’s Raju Sculpture.

The rally, organised by the Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote, protested the acquittal of war criminal ATM Azharul Islam and attacks by Jamaat-Shibir on Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote’s processions at Rajshahi and Chittagong universities.

Anu Muhammad expressed dismay, stating, “The people expected a mass uprising to create a new political structure, but the government appears indifferent, even complicit in some attacks and torture.” 

He highlighted growing despair, saying, “Students and women fighting for democratic rights are being attacked. Those opposing war criminals are silenced with anti-Islamic propaganda, which is deeply concerning for democracy.”

He criticised the release of identified war criminals, saying, “ATM Azharul Islam led a war criminal organisation in 1971, with documented evidence. Even if a court overturns a verdict, the truth of those crimes cannot be erased. This acquittal distorts history and betrays the martyrs, oppressed women, and freedom fighters of 1971.”

Anu Muhammad also condemned the use of religion for political gain, stating, “Labelling war crimes trials as anti-Islamic is a lie. Most martyrs of 1971 were devoted Muslims. Calling their killers’ trials anti-Islamic insults Islam itself.” 

He added that while younger Jamaat and Chhatra Shibir activists were not born in 1971, supporting such politics makes them complicit in those crimes.

He further alleged that students, women, workers, and teachers voicing for rights are attacked, often with impunity due to government-backed supporters.

Jabir Ahmed Jubel, general secretary of the Biplobi Chhatra, Moitree reported that Shibir attacked a torch procession at Rajshahi University twice to protest Azhar’s acquittal. 

“This mirrors the 1993 killing of martyr Rimu. If this terrorism continues, Bangladesh’s democratic future is at risk,” he warned.

He urged students to resist those using student politics to spread violence.

Harun Ur Rashid of Bhasani Parishad, Manzur Al Matin of the Gonotantrik Odhikar Committee, and others also spoke at the rally.