Umama Fatema resigns from Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

Umama Fatema, the spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has stepped down from the platform. On Friday night (June 27), she announced her decision through a long post on Facebook. In her post, she accused the organization of various irregularities, unethical behavior, and disorder.

In her post, she wrote, “There was a central council meeting of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement the day before yesterday. My formal journey with this movement ends here.”

She further wrote, "After the formation of the political party called NCP, I decided to work under this banner to fulfill the unfinished tasks from July. However, if this banner worked independently outside the party’s control and prescriptions, many people’s political futures would be at risk. Therefore, I faced severe pressure both online and offline to stop working under this banner. I took the whole situation as a challenge and tried to keep the banner active with goodwill. I have nothing more to say about the later developments. The very people with whom I stood side by side in meetings and rallies are the ones who deliberately used juniors to run a smear campaign against me. No matter how well people try to appear on the outside, I deeply felt how petty they can be from within during those times. These so-called comrades use people like tissue paper, throwing them away the moment they are no longer needed. While working with this platform in March-April, I saw how opportunists inside devoured the platform like pests. Yes, I will say that many good-willed people were in various branch committees, who came with dreams of change and tried to work. But even they could not make space against these opportunists. I still talk to many of them personally and try to offer suggestions and help from my personal side."

Umama described how it was painful to see the movement collapse after such a huge event like the July uprising. After consulting friends and supporters, she decided to distance herself from the banner. Although she did not officially resign, she practically cut ties with it around April-May. She focused on her work with ‘Empowering our Fighter’ and her interest in science. She said, “Though I often thought about resigning, I never formally submitted a resignation letter. It would be easy politically to resign but I was emotionally unable because I joined to reform the country, not to engage in conflicts.”

She also spoke about the irregularities in district and sub-district committees. Complaints used to reach her through journalists, but she asked, “Why don’t you question those who appointed the committees or confront them directly?” Before NCP’s formation, many committees were formed loosely, and she and others objected but received no response.

Despite being a spokesperson, she said, “I was denied access to the movement’s page and even saw posts against me published there. When I tried to take action, the page was used against me, or I was given silent treatment. The situation deteriorated after July, and by March-April, I became mentally distressed. People I wanted to work with showed fake support but made deals behind the scenes. When I confronted them, I was told to negotiate with ‘supreme authorities’ for positions. I refused, asking, ‘Why should I seek positions from them?’”

She explained, “The platform was stuck in internal politics like a stagnant pond, preventing real work. Leaders spread propaganda against me using junior members. Eventually, I stopped identifying as spokesperson and focused on being a student activist. Rumors spread that I was blocking councils, but the councils were stuck in government offices, and I was no longer involved. Even my silence was twisted into propaganda against me.”

Umama also discussed the council elections. She said, “I had decided not to vote because many who wanted to work were excluded and voters were mostly members of a political party. Juniors tried to convince me to vote, and though initially unable, I cast my vote just before the deadline, hoping for positive change. However, I was disappointed to see someone who didn’t participate in the election become a council member. I call this situation tyrannical and corrupt, and I predict a bleak future for the platform.”

In conclusion, she said, “I withdrew all support and votes from the platform, expressing deep disappointment. I joined the platform to protect the dreams of the uprising but felt betrayed by those who exploited it for personal gain. I vow never to forgive those who caused me pain and corruption in the movement and I wish ill upon the hypocrites. Despite political opportunities, I stayed true to my values. I mourn the many lives lost and families broken, unable to use these tragedies politically. Now, I want to move forward, leaving the past behind.”

She acknowledged many good people with goodwill in the platform and advised everyone to “focus on your studies and work.” She ended by saying, “I am recovering and reorganizing myself.”