Leaders and activists of the Jagannath University (JnU) unit of banned Chhatra League held a procession under the banner “We want our right to education back” on Friday early morning.
The march took place in front of the Dhaka District and Sessions Judge Court near the university campus. The program was observed to demand the coexistence of students holding all political opinions on campus, the guarantee of educational rights, and the maintenance of a merit-based and transparent process in government job recruitment.
During the procession, participants chanted slogans including “Politics is personal, education is for all” and “Snatching away the right to education will not be tolerated.”
Posters displayed during the march featured images of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, alongside Bangladesh Chhatra League Central President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan.
The procession was led by Jagannath University Chhatra League Organising Secretary Ashik-e-Atahar Mesbah and Joint General Secretary Mehedi Hasan.
Speaking during the program, Ashik-e-Atahar Mesbah said, “We have stood here not out of an obsession with political power, but as citizens of an independent country to establish a fundamental right—the right to education. There may be differences in political ideology, but no one has the right to snatch away a person’s right to pursue education.”
He alleged that leaders, activists, and supporters of Chhatra League are being kept away from academic life solely because of their political identity. Mesbah called for an end to “mob culture” on campus to ensure a safe and normal environment, alongside guaranteeing the coexistence of students of all political views and their right to study.
He also raised concerns regarding government job appointments, stating that increasing marks in oral examinations (viva voce) risks obstructing merit-based recruitment. He demanded transparency and neutrality based on merit in the appointment process.
Meanwhile, Joint General Secretary Mehedi Hasan said, “We do not seek any special privileges; we want our legitimate rights. Due to our association with Chhatra League and our uncompromising stance in favour of Bangladesh’s independence, the academic lives of many of us face uncertainty today.”
He emphasised that appearing for examinations, completing education, and receiving certificates are not political matters but the legitimate rights of a student. Reaffirming their stance, he added, “Politics is personal, education is for all. Snatching away the right to education will not be tolerated.”
“We do not want mercy; we want our rights back,” Hasan said.
