On Saturday, development professionals gathered to show their solidarity and demand justice for the students killed during the quota reform movement, also calling for reform within the state machinery.
Around 1,000 professionals from various organizations attended the rally organized by the “Development Professionals Alliance for Freedom and Justice” at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan, Dhaka.
The event began with the national anthem, gradually drawing in hundreds of development professionals, parents, passersby, and students.
Rubaiyath Sarwar, a development professional and researcher, delivered the official statement, asserting, “Injustice and state-led brutality must end. The right to free speech and expression must be upheld. Bangladesh cannot afford to lose more lives in the pursuit of democracy. Therefore, it is imperative that development professionals in Bangladesh stand for freedom and justice.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, he emphasized their commitment to protecting human rights and freedom of speech.
Warda Ashraf, another development professional and musician, stated, “Our demand is straightforward. We seek proper support for all those injured and for the families of the deceased. We do not want to see our children harmed.”
Tony Michael, a development communication professional, expressed his support for the protest, advocating for clear freedom and justice for the ongoing movement. He said, “We will continue this peaceful protest and alliance until justice is served.”
The demonstration lasted for about an hour until 4:15 PM, after which the professionals marched to join other citizens at Shaheed Minar in the capital.
