Bangladeshi students reject premier’s call for negotiation

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – Protesting students in Bangladesh have rejected the prime minister’s call for dialogue.

“The door of the Ganabhaban (official prime minister’s residence) is open. I want to sit with the students and listen to them. I want no conflict,” said Sheikh Hasina, the premier.

She also ordered the release of “innocent” students detained during protests.

The student protest coordinators, however, rejected her call and demanded justice for protesters who were killed during the student protest that erupted last month.

Asif Mahmud, a key coordinator of the student movement, said on social media that “there is no dialogue with bullets and terror.”

“We have no plans to negotiate with them. Our demand is very clear, if they have anything to say, they can put it in front of the countrymen through the media,” he added.

Tens of thousands of students in Dhaka and other parts of the country have taken to the streets demanding the prime minister’s resignation. They have announced a non-cooperation movement until their demand for reforms in the allocation of government jobs is met.

According to local media, more than 266 people, mostly students, have been killed with bullet wounds in clashes with police and members of the ruling Awami League party.​​​​​​​