Chhatra Dal issues show-cause notice, DU leader Hamim refuses written reply

Dhaka University Chhatra Dal leader Shaikh Tanvir Baree Hamim has refused to submit a written explanation after the organisation issued a show-cause notice against him on allegations of breaching organisational discipline.

The show-cause notice was announced in a press release signed by Central Office Secretary Jahangir Alam last night (27 February).

The notice states, "On the basis of allegations of breaching organisational discipline while holding a responsible position, you are directed to appear at the organisation's central office within the next 24 hours in the presence of the president and general secretary of the Chhatra Dal Central Committee to provide a written explanation as to why permanent organisational disciplinary action should not be taken against you."

Hamim, convener of the Kabi Jasimuddin Hall unit of Chhatra Dal at Dhaka University, was contacted several times via mobile phone this morning (28 February) for comment, but he did not respond at the time.

However, earlier, around 1am, Hamim posted a video message from his verified Facebook account addressing the issue.

In the video, Hamim said, "They have told me to give a written reply. I could have given a written reply if I wanted to. But I will not give a written reply. I have not committed such a big wrong that a letter could not be sent to me personally, and instead had to be posted directly on social media. People from all over Bangladesh are calling me now. People across Bangladesh now want to know what kind of wrong I have committed."

He added, "Later I found out that yesterday (26 February), I had organised an Iftar Mahfil with the students of Dhaka University. There was a Quran recitation competition, followed by an Iftar Mahfil with the students. Apparently, I have been served a show-cause notice because of the Iftar Mahfil I organised. If Chhatra Dal activists across Bangladesh think that organising an Iftar for students is a crime, then I apologise, but if the activists of Chhatra Dal and students across the country feel that what has been done to me is unjust, then I am happy with this injustice."

Meanwhile, a source in the organisation said that since 5 August 2024, Hamim has organised several programmes on his own initiative, going outside organisational rules. A section of the organisation was aggrieved over the matter.