In a Facebook live session on Sunday night, former spokesperson of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Umama Fatema, described her involvement with the platform as a “tragic” episode in her life.
Speaking from her verified account in a two-hour and 24-minute broadcast, Fatema recounted her journey from joining the movement to eventually leaving it, shedding light on internal issues and controversies she witnessed.
Fatema, who served as the spokesperson of the platform from October last year, alleged that after the July uprising, the movement was transformed into a “money-making machine.”
She said: July was a huge experience for me, but once I became the spokesperson, I discovered that people were exploiting the movement for personal gain. I never imagined that it could be turned into a source of income, but unfortunately, it became very common and regular.
She also claimed that soon after the uprising on August 5, individuals began misusing the title of coordinator for extortion and illegal occupation.
“It shocked me to see people who once hesitated to even accept the coordinator tag suddenly using it for extortion and grabbing land,” she said, adding that it felt as though a “coordinator force” was forming.
Fatema further revealed that most key decisions of the movement were dictated by advisers, leaving her feeling disconnected and stressed. “I endured months of mental pressure. The allegations of extortion, nepotism, and sheltering wrongdoers were real, and I was aware of them,” she said, noting that such issues extended across multiple districts.
Reflecting on her departure, Fatema said she decided by late January to leave the platform after learning it was moving toward forming a political party. Despite appeals from some members to stay and rebuild the platform, she ultimately distanced herself.
“Anyone with self-respect cannot survive in this platform. Being part of it was a tragic chapter in my life,” she said tearfully.
Fatema also dismissed allegations of personal profiteering from her role.
“I come from a well-off family and have never needed to use this platform for financial gain. I have good academic credentials and family support. My aim has always been to do something meaningful for the country, not to exploit it for personal benefit,” she stated.
Fatema described the July uprising as a “lived experience” and a traumatic period for many. “People fought on the streets in an unbelievable way. But what came afterward– the misuse of the movement– was deeply disheartening,” she said.
