Nahid Islam, a 26-year-old sociology student at Dhaka University, has become a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s recent political turmoil. Born in 1998 in Dhaka, Islam has been at the forefront of a significant movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a 15-year rule. His leadership in the protests has not only earned him national recognition but also positioned him as a symbol of resistance against the government.
Background and Early Life
Islam hails from a middle-class family, with his father working as a teacher and his mother as a homemaker. He has a younger brother, Nakib, who is studying geography. Nakib has spoken highly of his brother’s determination, particularly in the face of adversity, such as being tortured and left unconscious by the police during the protests. Despite these challenges, Nahid Islam has remained steadfast in his commitment to creating a new democratic Bangladesh.
The Rise to Prominence
Islam’s journey into the political spotlight began with the Students Against Discrimination Movement, which he coordinated. This movement was initially focused on opposing a controversial quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for descendants of those who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The quota system, reinstated by the high court in June after being scrapped in 2018, became a flashpoint for broader discontent, particularly among the student population.
As the movement gained momentum, so did Islam’s prominence. His leadership skills and his ability to articulate the frustrations of the younger generation resonated widely. The protests, which began as a focused opposition to the quota system, quickly escalated into a broader movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government’s heavy-handed response, including the alleged abduction and torture of Islam by plainclothes police officers, only served to galvanize support for the movement.
The Struggle and Impact
Videos of Nahid Islam being taken away by police officers and later found under a bridge circulated widely on social media, further amplifying his status as a symbol of resistance. His fiery speeches and online presence helped to mobilize students and other disaffected citizens. At one rally in Shahbagh, he famously declared that students were prepared to escalate their protests, even suggesting that they were ready to take up arms if necessary.
His call for the resignation of the prime minister was a bold move that underscored the seriousness of the protests. He emphasized that the students were no longer willing to accept the government’s authority, asserting that they would lead the country moving forward. This rhetoric, combined with his strategic use of social media, helped to sustain the momentum of the protests until the government eventually fell.
Vision for the Future
Nahid Islam has made it clear that his vision extends beyond merely toppling the government. He has pledged to work towards establishing a democratic Bangladesh that prioritizes social justice, the safety of its citizens, and the protection of minority communities, particularly Hindus. He has called on students and citizens alike to take part in a non-cooperation movement, which includes actions like refusing to pay electricity bills, organizing strikes, and closing educational institutions and luxury stores.
His journey from a university student to a national leader highlights the power of youth activism in shaping the political landscape of Bangladesh.