DHAKA: In a striking display of public dissent, student organizations at Dhaka University participated in a shoe-throwing event targeting newly-painted graffiti of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This act of protest took place near the Teacher-Student Center (TSC) of the university, drawing participation from students, educational institutions, and local residents.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the protest was a response to the government’s downfall on August 5, which occurred amid a mass uprising. The graffiti of Sheikh Hasina, painted red and adorned with shoes, has become a powerful symbol of public discontent. The image was initially erased with the university proctor’s permission on December 28, sparking outrage among students who later recreated the caricature in the same location.
The university’s proctor’s office issued a statement on December 29, expressing regret for the erasure and acknowledging the pillar’s status as a “hate pillar.” This acknowledgment followed a caricature being drawn in place of the erased image.
Crowds gathered at the protest site today, chanting slogans and expressing their grievances. Rickshaw puller Omar Faruk, among the participants, emphasized the collective anger towards Hasina, citing her alleged role in harming ordinary citizens and students. Zahid Ahsan, a leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, stated that the protest was a manifestation of widespread public anger.
The ongoing protests underscore a broader demand for preserving the graffiti as a testament to the historical movement against dictatorship. The student organizations advocate for the graffiti’s protection, viewing it as a critical marker of resistance and a reminder of their struggle.