The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, a driving force behind weeks of protests for quota reform in government jobs, has taken a dramatic twist.

Six of its coordinators, held in custody by the Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, announced the withdrawal of their movement in a video message released today.

In the video, Naheed Islam, one of the coordinators, affirmed that their primary demand for a logical reform of the quota system had been met, urging the government to reopen educational institutions and ensure a proper learning environment.

The announcement, made under the shadow of violent protests and a government crackdown that claimed over 200 lives, however has fueled widespread doubt and speculation.

The announcement has been met with fierce resistance from other coordinators who remain in hiding, condemning the statement as "coerced" and vowing to continue the movement.

Abdul Quader, a prominent coordinator,took to social media to declare that the statement was unacceptable and that the protests would continue until all their demands are met.

In the past few days, seven coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have been taken into the custody of the Detective Branch (DB).

The individuals include Naheed Islam, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakr Mojumdar, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum, who appeared in a video message announcing the suspension of the movement’s activities.

Arif Sohel, another coordinator, was also detained but did not appear in the video.

The detentions began last Friday when individuals in plain clothes took Naheed Islam and Asif Mahmud, who were receiving treatment at Gonoshahjyo Hospital in Dhanmondi, along with Abu Bakr.

The DB later explained that these three coordinators were brought to their Minto Road office for their protection.

On Saturday, Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah were also taken into custody, and Nusrat Tabassum and Arif Sohel were brought in on Sunday morning.

During a press briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan stated that the coordinators in DB custody have not been arrested.

He assured them that they would be released if the police determined they no longer pose a risk.

Before the video message from the six coordinators was released last night, Harun Or Rashid, Additional Commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, posted on Facebook.

He explained, "The coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were feeling insecure. To address their concerns, we brought them to the DB office to discuss their issues. After addressing their fears and explaining our plans for student safety, their anxieties were eased. The DB team and DMP are committed to ensuring student safety."

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