The Jagannath University (JnU) unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has called for a peaceful and democratic campus environment, while accusing Islami Chhatra Shibir of attempting to create instability through what it described as a “mob culture”.
The organisation made the remarks at a press conference held on Tuesday at the ground floor of the university’s Bhasha Shaheed Rafique Building.
JnU Chhatra Dal Convener Mehedi Hasan Himel and Member Secretary Shamsul Arefin addressed the press conference.
Himel said ensuring a peaceful and democratic environment on campus is the organisation’s main objective.
He said Chhatra Dal is working to ensure political coexistence among all active student organisations except Bangladesh Chhatra League.
“We want to build a student-friendly environment involving all democratic student organisations,” he said.
Himel alleged that since 12 February, a group has been using the banner of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (Jnucsu) to serve its own interests while ignoring elected representatives. Such activities were creating confusion and instability on campus, he claimed.
He further alleged that Shibir attempted to create disorder during programmes attended by the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman and vice-chancellors of different universities. He claimed general students resisted those attempts.
However, he said Chhatra Dal would investigate if any of its leaders or activists were found involved in any form of disorder.
Himel also said the university did not receive funds for a long time despite assurances from the previous administration and the interim government.
He claimed the current administration, along with the UGC chairman and the government, later helped ensure the allocation.
Shamsul Arefin alleged that while Chhatra Dal had been engaged in peaceful political activities after the mass uprising, Shibir was attempting to destabilise campuses.
He accused Shibir of disrupting political coexistence and creating conflicts at different educational institutions, claiming that similar efforts were being made at Jagannath University.
The press conference was attended by Chhatra Dal joint conveners Jafar Ahmed, Sumon Sardar, Mostafizur Rahman Rumi, Robiul Awal and other leaders and activists.
Earlier, a clash broke out at JnU during a programme where students were displaying placards demanding the handover of second campus construction work to the army and measures to address the accommodation crisis.
The incident reportedly left more than 50 people, including the Jnucsu vice-president, leaders of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and Chhatra Shibir, and several students injured.
The university administration has formed a four-member committee to investigate the incident.
