Chhatra Dal holds rally in Dhaka, demands end to ‘secret politics’, safety for female students
They alleged that the vice-chancellor and proctor of Dhaka University have been complicit in enabling the “secret politics” of Chhatra Shibir
Leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) held a human chain at the main gate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court today (3 September), demanding an end to "secret politics" on campuses and greater safety for female students.
Speaking at the rally, Chhatra Dal leaders alleged that during the 15-year rule of the Awami League, Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders have systematically oppressed general students and members of Chhatra Dal by occupying key posts.
They accused certain leaders of continuing the practice of hiding their identities while committing acts of harassment and violence against women.
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They also claimed that the vice-chancellor and proctor of Dhaka University have been complicit in enabling the "secret politics" of Chhatra Shibir, the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
The protest came in response to threats of "gang rape" against a female student who filed a writ petition challenging the eligibility of SM Farhad as the general secretary candidate from the panel backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir in the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election.
Women leaders of Chhatra Dal also addressed the rally, claiming they have been subjected to cyberbullying by Shibir activists and face harassment that hinders their active participation in politics.
Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam said, "Shibir has been doing 'secret politics' and was sheltered under the banner of Chhatra League for the past 15 and a half years. Only those who are brave and conscientious will do student politics."
He further said, "We will resist their secret politics on campuses and on the streets."
JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin said, "A Shibir candidate in the Ducsu elections, in collusion with Chhatra League, threatened a fellow female activist who had filed a writ petition. This human chain protests not only the gang-rape threat but also the cyberbullying and physical assaults faced by women across the country."
