Umama Fatema, former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Bangladesh, has sharply criticized the platform, labeling her involvement a “tragic chapter” of her life.
In a 2-hour 24-minute live video on Facebook Sunday night, she accused elements within the movement of turning July’s mass uprising into a "money-making machine."
Fatema, previously a key face of the July 2024 student uprising, revealed that after becoming the platform`s spokesperson in October last year, she discovered widespread misuse of the movement’s name.
“I never imagined this movement could be used for personal financial gain. But unfortunately, it has been turned into a regular and systematic business,” she said.
She alleged that after the uprising, individuals began using the “coordinator” title to collect extortion money and take over spaces, saying, “It felt like a paramilitary-style ‘coordinator force’ was being built. The platform no longer felt necessary to me.”
Fatema emphasized that many movement decisions were made at Haire Road (where political advisers reside), without broader participation.
“It was a deeply frustrating experience. I often felt isolated and stressed for months. The chaos, favoritism, and sheltering of accused individuals became clear to me,” she stated, adding, “Just resolving the Chattogram allegations would expose many.”
She claimed that despite her desire to decentralize and restructure the platform, her suggestions were met with hostility. “I became an enemy to many simply for speaking the truth,” she said.
Fatema joined the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement after resigning from her position in the Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Student Federation following the July uprising.
Although she initially believed in the movement’s purpose, she gradually became disillusioned. “By late January, I decided to quit. Some urged me to stay and rebuild, but soon I was accused of trying to hijack the platform,” she added.
On claims of financial gain, Fatema denied any wrongdoing: “People say I made millions, but I come from a well-off family. I didn’t need this for scholarships or income. My family has always supported me as a human being, not a money-making tool.”
She concluded emotionally, saying, “Anyone with a minimum level of self-respect cannot remain in this platform. Those who led from the front in July now engage in cheap politics. I feel like I wasted a year. I could have done more meaningful work had I acted independently.”
Fatema`s live video has already sparked intense debate on social media, with supporters and critics weighing in on her explosive allegations.
