Students Block Awami League Gathering in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, hundreds of students armed with bamboo rods are patrolling to prevent a gathering of supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India last week after protests led to her downfall. The date marks the anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination, a national holiday previously observed under Hasina's regime. Student leaders, such as Sarjis Alam, have vowed to resist any attempts by the Awami League to create chaos during this politically sensitive time, especially after the interim government canceled the holiday. The students aim to prevent a resurgence of Hasina's party and have mobilized to protect the site of her father's memorial, which was vandalized following her exit. Furthermore, concerns over a potential 'counter-revolution' by Awami League supporters have prompted student groups to declare their readiness to respond. Amid these tensions, Hasina has called on her supporters to pray at the memorial site while the interim government navigates the political fallout from recent events.