Chhatra Shibir demands revival of October 28 cases, speedy trials

MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir President Nurul Islam on Tuesday called for the revival of cases filed over the violence of October 28, 2006, alleging that the then Awami League government had made the cases disappear, and demanded that the trials be expedited.He made the demand while addressing a discussion meeting titled “October 28, 2006: Awami Brutality and the Rise of Fascism”, organised by Chhatra Shibir’s Dhaka metropolitan units at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium of the Dhaka Press Club.Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar attended the programme as the chief guest.Recalling the violence in the capital’s Paltan area in 2006, Parwar alleged that activists of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance had attacked their opponents with firearms and sticks. He said Chhatra Shibir activists had formed a human shield to protect senior leaders and resist the attacks.He described the deaths during the incident as a turning point in the country’s political history, alleging that the events paved the way for the rise of authoritarian rule.Referring to the July 2024 uprising, Parwar said the movement had created an opportunity to build a new Bangladesh based on justice and fairness. He added that the people would continue to pursue that goal despite political opposition.Parwar also criticised the Awami League, alleging that its approach to democracy had been inconsistent, with democratic rights being invoked while in opposition but undermined during its time in power. He accused the government led by Sheikh Hasina of presiding over a period marked by political repression, the Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar crackdown and controversial war crimes trials. In his presidential address, Nurul Islam questioned the progress of cases being tried by special tribunals. He alleged that verdicts had been delivered against some accused who were absconding, while cases involving those in custody had not been concluded. He called for the speedy disposal and implementation of verdicts in accordance with the law. Islam also criticised the current government's policies, alleging that it was restoring elements of the old political structure instead of pursuing the institutional reforms promised after the July uprising. He demanded improved law and order, structural reforms of the state and full implementation of the July Charter. He also called on the government to respect the outcome of the referendum, which he claimed had received the support of 70 per cent of voters. Criticising the government's economic measures, Islam alleged that increases in electricity bills were placing additional pressure on households, while financial assistance through cards was being presented as a solution. He said the government should address people's concerns through substantive policy measures. Special guest Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, a former central president of Chhatra Shibir and an MP, described the October 28 violence as an example of extreme brutality. He alleged that people were beaten and killed and that some bodies were subjected to further abuse. Addressing the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Masud said the previous Awami League government had cancelled Jamaat-e-Islami's registration, restricted its political activities and kept its offices closed. He rejected allegations of an understanding between Jamaat and the Awami League, warning the BNP against following what he described as the previous government's repressive political approach. Dr Muhammad Rezaul Karim, a former central president of Chhatra Shibir and secretary of Jamaat's Dhaka North city unit, said the sacrifices of those killed in political violence would not be in vain. He expressed hope that Jamaat and Chhatra Shibir would play a leading role in establishing a society based on justice. Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Sadik Kayem alleged that the October 28 violence marked the beginning of a prolonged period of political repression. He also accused left-wing political groups of contributing to the consolidation of authoritarian rule. The meeting was inaugurated by Tajul Islam, father of Hafiz Golam Kibria Shipon, who was killed in the October 28 incident. The programme was jointly conducted by Dhaka metropolitan north president Saiful Islam Saim, east president Imdadul Haque and south president Hafiz Delwar Hossain. Other attendees included Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South assistant secretary and former Chhatra Shibir central executive council member Mohammad Kamal Hossain, MP; Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah; central office secretary Azizur Rahman Azad; leaders of the organisation's central and metropolitan units; and family members of those killed in the October 28 violence.  The speakers' allegations and political characterisations were made at the party-organised event and were not independently verified in the information provided.