The Jagannath University unit of the banned student organisation Chhatra League put up a banner commemorating 15 August near the campus on Friday, prompting security concerns and police intervention.
Featuring portraits of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his wife Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, the banner was installed in the Bishwajit Chattar area, beside the footover bridge near the university’s third gate, on Friday morning.
It carried the slogan, “Shok theke Jagoron, Jagoron theke Prottaborton” (Awakening from grief, return from awakening), with “Jagannath University Chhatra League” written at the bottom.
Chhatra League organising secretary Ashiq E Atahar Mesbah and joint general secretary Mehedi Hasan were present when the banner was put up.
Speaking about the significance of 15 August, Mesbah said the assassination of Mujib and most of his family members remains a deep wound in Bangladesh’s history.
The nation must “convert grief into strength and learn from history” to strengthen its commitment to “democracy, humanity and the rule of law”, he said.
Mehedi described the day as “a warning of power, conspiracy and the brutal reality of history”, saying the assassination of Mujib could not erase his political ideals.
He said the current generation of Chhatra League members has a responsibility to carry forward the struggle to build a future Bangladesh based on Mujib’s political philosophy and the spirit of the Liberation War.
The development prompted concern among university authorities.
JnU Proctor Md Azam Khan said the banner was installed outside the university’s boundary, making immediate intervention more difficult.
“If it were inside, we could have taken immediate action,” he said.
“Working outside is slightly difficult because if locals do it, it poses a threat to the security of the students. However, we will take necessary measures for campus security.”
KM Robiul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, said police had already reached the spot.
“We have reached the spot. Necessary measures will be taken to prevent the organisation from conducting any activities,” he said.
The Bangladesh Chhatra League was banned by the interim government in October 2024 under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
