Jamaat removes Hathazari unit chief after outrage over claim CU stands on his ancestral land
According to the release, Jamaat said the comments were Sirajul Islam’s personal opinion, which left the CU community outraged and harmed the organisation’s image.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Chattogram North unit has relieved Sirajul Islam, a local leader, of his duties after his controversial remarks claiming Chittagong University (CU) as "ancestral property" sparked outrage.
Sirajul Islam, who was Jamaat-backed candidate for the Chattogram-5 constituency, was serving as the ameer (chief) of the party's Hathazari upazila unit.
The party confirmed the decision in a press release today (7 September), signed by Fazlul Karim, publicity secretary of Jamaat's Chattogram North unit.
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According to the release, Jamaat said the comments were Sirajul Islam's personal opinion, which left the CU community outraged and harmed the organisation's image.
"Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami considers the statement to be inconsistent with the party's values and expresses regret over the matter. Following discussions, the district working committee unanimously decided to relieve him of his position as Hathazari upazila ameer," it said.
The release also said an emergency meeting today, chaired by Chattogram North district Ameer Md Alauddin Sikdar, also stressed that CU and Jobra village are not adversaries but complementary to each other.
"The area has a tradition of harmony and cordial relations between the villagers and the university, which we expect to continue," it noted.
Jamaat also expressed sympathy to teachers, students, and villagers who were injured or suffered property damage during recent clashes near CU.
The party urged law enforcement and the administration to remain vigilant to prevent further untoward incidents.
The controversy erupted after violent clashes broke out between CU students and locals on the night of 30 August and the following day.
At a subsequent meeting organised by Jobra residents on 4 September, Sirajul Islam said, "Chittagong University stands on our ancestral land. We are the owners of this university and its surrounding areas. We are zamindars, and we will not tolerate anyone interfering with us."
His remarks later quickly spread on social media, triggering widespread criticism from students.
