Leftist student orgs hold torch procession at DU protesting attacks on Bauls, student activists
DU Chhatra Union President Meghmallar Basu condemned the attack in Khulna, alleging that activists of "Chhatra Shibir, Up Bangladesh, and NCP" were involved
Left-leaning student organisations at Dhaka University organised a torch procession tonight (November 26) to protest the attack on a Democratic Student Alliance programme in Khulna and the recent assaults on Baul devotees in different parts of the country.
The procession began at the TSC Payra Square and moved through VC Chattar, Arts Building, the Central Library, and Shahbagh before concluding at the Raju Memorial Sculpture, where participants later held a brief rally.
Throughout the march, protesters chanted slogans such as "There is no place for extremism in Shahjalal's Bengal," "No place for extremism in Lalon Sai's Bengal," "Abul Sarkar is my brother, we demand his release now," "Who attacked in Thakurgaon? Communal terrorists," "Why was Abul Sarkar arrested? We want answers," and "Wah Yunus is wonderful, guardian of terrorists."
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Speaking at the rally, Chhatra Union President of Dhaka University unit, Meghmallar Basu, condemned the attack in Khulna, alleging that activists of Chhatra Shibir, Up Bangladesh, and NCP were involved.
"We have reached a point where even democratic forces are unable to express themselves freely," he said.
Referring to a cultural event on Baul songs organised by Chhatra Dal activists at TSC on Monday, Basu criticised the group for distancing themselves following backlash.
"When reactionary forces responded across the country, their leaders withdrew and said they did not agree with Abul Sarkar's remarks," he said.
Addressing Chhatra Dal activists directly, he added, "Don't do this. Don't legitimise their narrative. If you give them an inch, the fascists will take a mile."
