Akhter Hossen, member secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed that BNP intends to provide a “safe exit” to former president Mohammed Sahabuddin.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and cultural programme titled “Memories of monsoon revolution and building a new political trend,” organised by the Islamic University (IU) branch of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti on Saturday.
Addressing the gathering, Akhtar Hossen observed that the culture of “hall occupation” has seen a significant decline since the events of 5 August, allowing general students to speak freely and become increasingly vocal regarding their rights.
Reflecting on his own university days, the NCP leader described the extreme risks previously associated with protesting against injustice, noting that he had to serve time in jail due to his involvement in various movements.
He recalled that at the time, university “gonorooms” appeared more inhumane than jails.
Hossen emphasised his expectation that universities should be free from torture and dedicated to freedom of speech, knowledge, cultural practice, and harmony. He added that no organisation should be allowed to occupy university halls or campuses in the manner of the Chhatra League.
He further stated that Jatiya Chhatra Shakti would never engage in hall occupation; instead, its activists would be the first to resist any such attempts to ensure that the halls and campuses remain the right of the students.
However, the NCP leader expressed concern over recent reports from various universities that suggest a potential return to the old culture of torture and the suppression of free speech. He warned that such incidents create an atmosphere of fear and obstruct a proper educational environment.
On the national political front, Hossen alleged that the BNP aims to provide a safe exit for Sahabuddin. He maintained that no political compromise outside of public aspirations will be acceptable, and any initiative conflicting with democratic expectations will be rejected by the people.
The event was presided over by Fuad Hasan, convenor of the IU branch of Chhatra Shakti, and moderated by its member secretary, Iftekhar Uddin.
Other attendees included NCP joint convenors Ali Ahsan Junaid and Sarwar Tushar, joint chief organiser Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu, and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti president Zahid Ahsan, who served as the keynote speaker.
