BNP has strongly alleged that the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a Dhaka University leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was politically motivated. The party’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday claimed that Shammo’s outspoken defence of the national anthem and the national flag might have led to his targeted killing.
Speaking at a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, organised by the Northern Region Students’ Forum, Rizvi questioned the government’s silence and the arrest of what he termed as “three vagabonds” by police.
“What was Shammo’s fault? Why would such a gentle and educated young man be killed in such a brutal way? This murder cannot be brushed aside as a random act of violence,” he said. “We believe this is not an isolated incident. This is a politically motivated killing.”
Shammo, a student of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at Dhaka University and publicity secretary of the Chhatra Dal unit at AF Rahman Hall, was stabbed to death near Suhrawardy Udyan around midnight on Tuesday. Originally from Sirajganj, his murder has sparked widespread outrage among peers and political activists.
Rizvi highlighted that Shammo had recently made a Facebook post defending the national anthem amidst protests at Shahbagh demanding its ban. “Could that post be the reason behind his murder?” he asked, adding, “He stood in support of national values, the anthem, the flag — symbols of our sovereignty. Was this enough to make him a target?”
Drawing a parallel with the murder of Buet student Abrar Fahad in 2019, Rizvi alleged that both killings stemmed from political dissent. “Abrar was killed because he spoke out against foreign interference and water issues. Now Shammo has been killed for standing by the anthem and the flag. These are not coincidences.”
He also cast doubt on the ongoing investigation, calling the arrests inadequate and demanding that the real perpetrators — especially those with political interests —be identified and brought to justice.
The BNP leader also criticised the role of Dhaka University authorities, especially the vice-chancellor, accusing him of mistreating Chhatra Dal leaders who sought justice.
He accused the university administration of harbouring partisan interests and acting like political enforcers rather than academic custodians.
Rizvi concluded by urging the interim government to act with fairness and wisdom. “Do not try to run this country by force or by promoting only one party. Respect all voices, or the people will rise and hold you accountable.”