National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener and Chief Whip of the Opposition Nahid Islam on Tuesday alleged that educational institutions are once again being turned into “havens of terror”, claiming that a familiar pattern of campus and hall takeovers is returning.
“Today, an attack was carried out on the representatives of Jagannath University Central Students’ Union and the leadership of Chhatra Shakti. Chhatra Dal is trying to take control of various educational institutions, including Dhaka College and Dhaka Alia Madrasah. In Habiganj, our brother Alif had his eyes gouged out,” he said.
Nahid made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled “From Resistance to Victory: Legacy of July” at Aftabnagar in Dhaka, organised by the combined private university unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.
Urging the government to learn lessons from the past, he said authorities should avoid confrontation with students and allow them to continue their studies without disruption.
The NCP leader also called for preserving democratic practices in educational institutions and ensuring employment opportunities for students.
“This government seems to believe that since it is in power, it can seize everything. Sheikh Hasina had thought the same, and you have all seen the consequences,” he said, referring to the ousted former prime minister.
Highlighting the role of private university students in the July Uprising, Nahid described their contribution as a “trump card” of the movement, saying the authoritarian government had never expected such a large participation from private university students.
“After the crackdown on 17 July, everyone thought there was no one left to carry the movement forward. We remember the sacrifices of private university students with deep respect. Their role needs recognition and proper documentation. Unfortunately, this government has taken no initiative regarding private universities,” he said.
NCP Spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, political council member Ali Ahsan Zonaed, Joint Member Secretary Rafe Salman Rifat, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti President Zahid Ahsan and General Secretary Abu Baker Majumder, among others, attended the discussion as special guests.
