Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad joint convener steps down, blames leadership

Nur Nabi, joint convener of Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Bagsas) and former coordinator of Jagannath University chapter of the Students against Discrimination, has formally resigned from the organisation, raising serious allegations against its current leadership.

He made the announcement at a press conference held in Dhaka today. In his resignation letter, Nabi has accused the central Bagsas leadership of deviating from democratic principles and compromising with forces opposed to national interests.

"I have decided to resign due to the betrayal of the ideals of the July Uprising, an increasingly authoritarian quorum-based leadership, and compromises with institutions that go against the public interest," said Nur Nabi.

He alleged that student organisations and individuals who have remained active on the ground, despite police crackdowns and legal harassment, have not been given recognition, solely for holding differing opinions. 

"A handful of leaders have monopolised the organisation, suppressing dissent and ignoring the voices of grassroots activists," he added.

Nur Nabi further criticised Bagsas for organising events with financial support from corporate entities such as the Bashundhara Group. 

"Such sponsorship has undermined the movement's credibility and has exploited its ideals," he said.

He claimed that the current leadership has effectively rebranded the council under the identity of a previous group, Chhatro Shokti, and has confined all decision-making to selective quorum sessions, something he described as undemocratic and contrary to progressive student activism.

Reflecting on the July Uprising, Nabi said, "This movement has never been about one individual; it has been the result of collective struggle by all student organisations and the broader student body. Sadly, it has now been reduced to the private property of a few."

He concluded, "I do not wish to remain part of an organisation that has strayed from its ideals. I am choosing a new path with the vision of a truly democratic student movement."

Nur Nabi also said he would consider supporting any future political platform that sincerely upholds the ideals of the July Uprising.

Notably, during the peak of the July protests, Nur Nabi was reportedly abducted by the Detective Branch (DB) on 16 July and was released on 6 August, an incident that has drawn attention from human rights groups.