Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, a banned wing of the Awami League, staged a public demonstration at Jagannath University (JnU) on Tuesday, raising six-point demands.
The university administration said it would investigate the matter and take necessary action against those involved.
The protest began around 9:30am in front of the university’s Third Gate. University sources said the banners and posters used in the demonstration featured images of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Chhatra League Central President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan. Participants also displayed placards highlighting their demands.
The six-point demands included: Withdrawal of expulsion orders against Chhatra League leaders and students nationwide and cancellation of cases filed against them; Cessation of party appointments made under the guise of quota movements; Unconditional release of Chhatra League ‘political prisoners’ under the show arrest policy; Exemplary punishment for those involved in crimes against women and children, including murder, rape, child abuse in madrasas, and online harassment; Accountability for teachers involved in harassment to restore teachers’ dignity; Execution of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus over alleged embezzlement of vaccine funds.
According to university sources, the demonstration was led by Ashiq-e-Atahar Mesbah, Organising Secretary of JnU Chhatra League and a student of the 2015–16 batch in the Department of Political Science, along with Joint General Secretary Mehedi Hasan.
After the protest, Ashiq-e-Atahar Mesbah said, “The historic six-point charter symbolised the liberation of the Bengali nation. Drawing inspiration from that, Jagannath University Chhatra League organised this human chain. Since 5 August, Chhatra League leaders, students, and pro-liberation teachers have been targeted in attacks and cases, depriving them of education and normal activities.”
He demanded that all cases filed against Chhatra League leaders be withdrawn, terming them ‘false’, and urged strict action against those responsible for crimes against women and children and other irregularities.
Chhatra League president Ibrahim Farazi, said, “Bangladesh Chhatra League has not remained inactive. JnU Chhatra League is preparing politically. Declaring the organisation banned will not halt its activities.”
He added, “The six-point demands raised by JnU Chhatra League today are logical. Bangladesh Chhatra League will remain on the streets and continue its movement until the current government completes its term.”
Asked about the incident, JnU Proctor Professor Mohammad Nasir Uddin said, “I am not formally aware of the details yet. However, complaints about activities linked to the banned Chhatra League have arisen previously. Security personnel have been asked to provide information, and law enforcement has been informed.”
He added, “Video footage clearly shows the individuals involved. If they are identified and can be arrested through investigation, legal action will be taken in accordance with the law. Anyone engaging in such activities on the university campus will face strict consequences.”
The administrative ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League was imposed following political changes in the country. Despite the ban, isolated activities under the organisation’s banner have continued at various locations across Bangladesh.
