Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir staged a protest march in Dhaka on Friday, condemning what it called mismanagement and delays in publishing results of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) election.
The demonstration, organised by the group’s Dhaka Metropolitan East unit, began around 7:30pm from the north gate of Baitul Mukarram mosque and concluded with a brief rally in front of the National Press Club.
Speaking as chief guest, Shibir Central Office Secretary Sibgatullah alleged that the JUCSU polls were being mishandled despite high expectations following the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election earlier this week.
“On September 9, Bangladesh entered a democratic path through the DUCSU polls, where students elected representatives who stood with them in the July uprising,” he said.
“We hoped JUCSU would follow that spirit, but instead we are seeing delays and administrative maneuvering.”
He accused rival student groups of foul play, saying, “Chhatra Dal has brought in outsiders, one of whom has already been arrested. Some BNP-leaning teachers, following prescriptions from London, have stepped away from the process. We condemn this.”
Warning against external influence, Sibgatullah said: “No longer will Bangladesh be run on outside prescriptions. The DUCSU victory of Shibir was a victory for students. Neighbours should stop meddling in Bangladesh’s affairs.”
He demanded immediate publication of results to end students’ uncertainty.
“Respect democratic opinion,” he said, “otherwise students will claim their rights by force if necessary.”
Other speakers at the rally included Central Publicity Secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, International Affairs Secretary Mu’tasim Billah Shahedi, and Student Rights Secretary Amirul Islam. Also present were Central Dawah Secretary Mozzaffar Hossain, Jagannath University unit president Riazul Islam, and city leaders including Imdadul Haque.
