Nahid Islam: Student Leader's Name Etching Bangladesh's Future (image:x.com/AnasMAwan)

As Bangladesh is undergoing a historical change, following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina government, everyone is talking about a young student leader named Nahid Islam. A student from Dhaka University’s Sociology Department, he helmed the students’ protest against controversial quota system for government jobs.

Islam serves as one of the National Coordinators for the ‘Students Against Discrimination’ Movement. A student-led protest, it demanded reforms to the quota system since it places 30% of government jobs for descendants of war veterans and freedom fighters.

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The movement began when Supreme Court of Bangladesh brought back the quota system. The movement stated that the system was a discriminatory and politically manipulated practice to access government jobs. The movement, later, got intensified as a campaign to remove Sheikh Hasina from power.

Known as a Human Rights defender, Islam has opposed Sheikh Hasina‘s party, the Awami League, and described them as “terrorists” deployed on the roads.

Islam, gained national attention after his abductions and alleged torture in July. In the first time, he was abducted by 25 men from a house in Sabujbagh. He was subjected to torture during repeated interrogations about his involvement in the protests. Two days later, he was found unconscious and battered under a bridge in Purbachal, NDTV reports.

He was kidnapped again on the same month from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in Dhanmondi. Individuals claiming to be from multiple intelligence agencies, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch, took him away, the report adds. However, the police have negated any involvement.

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Following Hasina’s resignation, Islam pledged his continued commitment to create a new democratic Bangladesh. He is against any government led by the army and suggested Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus as the chief adviser. “We haven’t met all of our goals yet. After Hasina’s resignation, our focus is to abolish fascist systems forever. We want to see Bangladesh Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus lead an interim government,” Islam said.

Besides, in his public statements, he pledged to protect Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. Born in Dhaka in 1998, Islam’s family consists of father, mother, wife and a younger brother.