Chhatra Shibir holds mass rally, warns government over campus violence

Special Correspondent: Leaders of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir warned that if the government fails to rein in Chhatra Dal, its political consequences could be “even more severe than that of the Awami League.”The warning came from a “Chhatra Gonojomayet” (Mass student gathering) held in Dhaka on 5 August, marking the second anniversary of the July Uprising. Speakers demanded full implementation of the July Charter as per the verdict of the 5 August referendum, justice for all killings, and immediate action against reported attacks by Chhatra Dal on several campuses including Jagannath University, Dhaka College and Madrasah-Alia, Dhaka. Addressing the gathering, Shibir Central President Nurul Islam alleged that those who carried out attacks on campuses on Tuesday were “not real students, but student terrorists and touts.” He claimed many of those given positions in Chhatra Dal committees had ended their student life 15 to 20 years ago. “These ‘Adu Bhai’ have been used to attack elected student representatives,” Nurul Islam said, adding that “hired thugs” were allegedly brought in from Narayanganj and Keraniganj. He also alleged armed attacks at Begum Rokeya University, Jagannath University, Dhaka College and Alia Madrasah, and assaults on sleeping students and on students of Dhaka Graphics Arts College.“If the government does not restrain these Chhatra Dal terrorists and BNP’s tout forces, we will resist their violence on the streets,” he said. He urged the Prime Minister to take action, warning that “if the Prime Minister fails to rein them in, Islami Chhatra Shibir along with students and the public will.” He added that Shibir’s restraint should not be seen as weakness.Other speakers alleged that police were present during the attacks and that assailants were seen with machetes, crowbars, spades and revolvers. “The police force is once again becoming a patron of a new fascism, just as it sheltered Chhatra League before,” Nurul Islam alleged.Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and former MP Hamidur Rahman Azad said the post-July environment in campuses was being threatened. “Islami Chhatra Shibir defeated Chhatra Dal in student union elections through character and ideology,” he said, and accused Chhatra Dal of choosing violence after that political defeat. He called on the government to immediately implement the July Charter.Jamaat Assistant Secretary General and MP Maulana Rafiqul Islam Khan, also a former Shibir president, accused police of providing “protection” during Monday’s attacks. He reminded the IGP and DMP Commissioner of the fate of their predecessors, saying, “Sheikh Hasina could not save them.”Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat Ameer and MP Nurul Islam, also a former Shibir president, said Chhatra League and Awami League knew Shibir well, which is why they banned it during the final phase of the mass uprising. Dhaka Metropolitan South Jamaat Secretary Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud alleged the core conflict in universities was over tenders and extortion. “On 5 August 2024 the matter was settled. Through tendering and extortion you cannot win over students again. Not a single seat will be allowed to be occupied on the basis of merit or quota,” he said. He also called on BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to control Chhatra Dal, warning that “if Chhatra Dal is not controlled, it will ensure Tarique Rahman’s fall even faster than Chhatra League ensured the fall of Awami League.”The program was conducted by Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah. Central leaders, Dhaka city leaders, leaders from various universities and institutions, and a large number of activists and general students attended.