Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher has claimed that ‘torture cells’ at universities have been shut down and drug abuse on campuses curbed, crediting recent electoral gains by Islami Chhatra Shibir as evidence of a broader shift in student politics.
He made the remarks while addressing the reception for ‘Elected Representatives of the Central Student Council- 2025’, organised by Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Friday .
Taher said that Chhatra Shibir had secured mandates from ordinary students at four universities in a row, describing the victories as proof that the organisation represents the wider student community rather than a single faction.
“Chhatra Shibir has won the confidence of general students in four universities consecutively. This proves that Shibir is not just one organisation but a movement representing students across the country,” he said.
The Jamaat leader added that ‘torture cells’ sites allegedly used for intimidation and violence on campuses had been shut down, while gatherings linked to drugs and alcohol had been eliminated. He also quipped that the “thickness of the dal” had increased, an apparent metaphor for improved living and dining conditions for students.
Addressing student leaders, Taher invoked the spirit of the July uprising, which he said was achieved through student sacrifice and widespread national support.
“Your struggle has driven fascism out even beyond our borders. But the struggle is not over,” he said, urging student representatives to take an active role in eradicating corruption.
Looking toward national politics, Jamaat leader Taher said youths had rallied behind what he called an “ideological movement” and expressed hope that country’s 4 crore young voters would continue to back parties committed to “positive change.”
“In the next election, another miracle could happen,” he said. “We expect the reflection of student union victories to continue in national politics.”
Taher’s speech combined optimism about recent campus changes with a call for continued youth involvement in national politics.
