In the wake of tensions surrounding the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election results, both BNP and Jamaat have instructed their respective student wings not to engage in any unrest.
The instructions were issued after the government reached out to the high command of both parties before the announcement of the election results. This was confirmed late Tuesday night.
The government made it clear that any attempts to disrupt peace would be met with a strong response from law enforcement agencies.
Salahuddin Ahmed, a member of BNP’s Standing Committee, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “The government contacted us, and we assured them that Chhatra Dal will not create unrest. We have informed the relevant leaders of Chhatra Dal about this.”
A deputy Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami confirmed that the government had contacted them around midnight, adding that no one from outside the Jamaat or Chhatra Shibir would be allowed to enter the university. However, they have been instructed to remain vigilant.
Multiple sources from both political parties indicated that three advisers from the interim government, as well as the chief advisor’s special assistant and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) commissioner, also communicated with the leaders of both parties.
The voting for the DUCSU and Hall Union elections began at 8am and continued until 4pm on Tuesday. Allegations of electoral code violations and rigging were exchanged between Chhatra Dal, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and candidates supported by the BAGCHAS panel.
On the day of the election, outsiders were not allowed to enter Dhaka University. As a result, BNP and Jamaat activists gathered at various entry points to the campus, including the Press Club area, where BNP leaders and activists were seen.
Jamaat members took up positions near Shahbagh and Newmarket, and BNP activists were also present near one side of Shahbagh.
In the evening, the Metropolitan Chhatra Dal marched from Bangla Motor towards Shahbagh, while BNP and its affiliated leaders gathered at Nayapaltan. Jamaat maintained its position at Shahbagh, leading to growing concerns over potential clashes.
It was at this point that the government took the initiative to speak with the leaders of both BNP and Jamaat.
