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The Jahangirnagar University (JU) unit of Bangladesh Chhatra Union staged a protest march on Thursday, condemning the alleged harassment of female students at Dhaka University’s TSC and the reported attack on Chhatra Union leaders and activists who protested the incident.
The march began at around 1:30pm from Murad Chattar and passed through several campus roads before ending at Battala, where the organisation held a brief rally.
Expressing solidarity with the protest, Sajeeb Ahmed Jenich, an organiser of the Socialist Students’ Front (Marxist), JU unit, said, ‘Yesterday, during a procession by Chhatra Dal at DU TSC, several student activists allegedly harassed and verbally abused female students. When Chhatra Union Central General Secretary, DU General Secretary and President of the Private University Parliament Anindya intervened, Chhatra Dal activists allegedly attacked them, leaving them injured. They are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.’
He further said, ‘Our democratic political struggle against Chhatra Dal’s alleged violent activities will continue. We demand a fair investigation and justice for yesterday’s incident.’
Soma Dumri, an organiser of the Revolutionary Students’ Alliance, JU unit, also expressed solidarity with the protest. She said, ‘Chhatra Dal claims to represent students, yet they allegedly harass female students and attack those who try to stop them. The organisation must take responsibility for such actions.’
At the rally, Imran Hasan Shuvo, Education and Research Secretary of Chhatra Union JU unit, warned Chhatra Dal against such activities and demanded disciplinary action against those involved.
Faizan Orko, Secretary of Chhatra Union JU unit, said, ‘The rise of another oppressive force after the fall of one is disappointing for Bangladesh’s politics. Like Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal must also move away from the politics of oppression and violence on campuses.’
He added that alleged harassment of female students and attacks on protesters were contrary to the spirit of a “New Bangladesh” and healthy student politics.
Adri Ankur, President of Chhatra Union JU unit, said that Chhatra Union Central General Secretary Shimul Kumbhakar and other leaders and activists were allegedly attacked after protesting the harassment of a female student by Chhatra Dal activists at Dhaka University.
He said, ‘During the Awami League government, Chhatra League created a culture of fear and oppression on campuses and attacked those with opposing views. After the July uprising, students expected campuses free from violence and oppression. Such actions by Chhatra Dal are contrary to that expectation.’
Adri demanded a prompt investigation, identification of those involved and exemplary punishment, urging Chhatra Dal to remember the spirit of the July uprising and refrain from politics of violence and oppression.
