SAD's newly-formed Cox's Bazar committee faces scrutiny as members allege inclusion of criminals

A group of students today (20 February) expressed dissatisfaction over the alleged inclusion of controversial individuals in the newly-announced Student Against Discrimination's Cox's Bazar district convenor committee.

During a press conference at Cox's Bazar Press Club this afternoon, several SAD representatives claimed that the committee was dominated by those accused of misdeeds such as extortion, encroachment and manipulation in administration, which are contrary to the spirit of the July uprising.

In a written statement, the newly-appointed committee's Joint Convenor and Representative Junayed Hossain stated that the committee was merely a "pocket committee," as many capable leaders were excluded while a particular group, some of whom have been linked to various alleged crimes, were given preferential positions.

"Many of those listed on the committee were upset and resigned yesterday night by posting on their Facebook accounts," he added.

He also said both students and representatives would reject any committee that includes the names of identified criminals.

Sagar ul Islam, member-secretary of the newly announced committee, noted that even though his name appears on the committee, many individuals who have made significant contributions to the movement were left out.

He further claimed that the inclusion of certain controversial figures — whose names are associated with the suppression of the July uprising — forced him to withdraw his name from the committee.

Committee's convenor Sahedul Islam Sahed said allegations claiming that the committee includes individuals involved in criminal activities are false, noting, "If concrete evidence is provided against any student representative on the committee, we will take action against the perpetrators."

Yesterday, the central committee of the SAD announced a district convenor committee comprising 300 people in Cox's Bazar.

It appointed Sahedul as convenor and Sagor as member secretary.

The list of committee members was also posted on the organisation's Facebook page.

However, an hour later, that post was removed. Subsequently, several student representatives, alleging that individuals with criminal backgrounds had been included in the committee, announced their resignations and expressed dissatisfaction.

Later that night, a protest erupted on the main road near the Bhola Babu's Petrol Pump in the city.

On this, Islam Sahed said the post was removed in order to correct minor errors—including one person's name appearing in multiple positions and other discrepancies. "The central leadership is fully aware of everyone's contributions to the movement and will provide a clear explanation about the committee. Moreover, no one in the district is affiliated with the committee by default."