The Muslim nationalist student body Biplabi Chatro Parishad on Monday observed its first founding anniversary demanding a fascism-free election, a new constitution and a science-based Islamic education policy.

Marking the occasion, the group held a doa mahfil after Asr prayers at Dhaka University Central Mosque, led by senior khatib Nazir Mahmud.

Speaking at the event, the Council’s convener Abdul Wahed outlined the background of the organization, saying it was formed to continue the struggle for a democratic Muslim republic after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5 last year.

He alleged that successive governments, particularly under the Awami League, had imposed fascist rule in Bangladesh with Indian backing.

Referring to the July 2024 killings, Wahed said it paved the way for rebuilding the country free from Indian influence.

Biplabi Chatro Parishad will uphold the spirit of 1947 and 1971 to establish a republic based on the Qur’an, Sunnah and science. We call for an immediate free election, a new constitution and an Islamic education policy,” he said.

Other speakers included senior leaders of the National Revolutionary Council, Dhaka University and Madrasa-e-Alia units of the student body.

The Council was launched on September 29 last year through a protest rally at DU’s Raju Memorial Sculpture demanding the release of Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman.

Since then, it has carried out movements against Awami League’s reinstatement, BNP-Jamaat “compromise,” and for restoring the ban on Israeli entry in Bangladeshi passports.