Chhatra Dal accuses Chhatra Shibir of instigating violence at KUET, demands accountability

In a press conference held at Dhaka University’s TSC on Wednesday, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) responded to the recent violence at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), blaming Chhatra Shibir and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement for the clash. 

The confrontation between Chhatra Dal and these groups at KUET left over 50 students injured.

During the briefing, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib accused members of Chhatra Shibir and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of orchestrating the attack on Chhatra Dal leaders and activists, calling them a “secret organization.” 

He demanded that those responsible be held accountable and receive the harshest punishment.

Rakib further expressed his disapproval of the threats made by Chhatra Shibir, following a statement from its central president Zahidul Islam on Facebook. 

In the post, Zahidul Islam warned Chhatra Dal, saying, "The advisers you are following will lead you to the same fate as the Student League. Let good sense prevail — this is the hope. Otherwise, you will have to bear the responsibility for all failures and consequences. The politics of blaming others is no longer in practice. This generation is well-aware."

The message also stressed, “Special request — do not mistake the generosity of Chhatra Shibir as weakness. Chhatra Shibir does not worship any individual or party. We bow only to Allah, the Almighty.”

Rakib also highlighted the ongoing efforts to undermine Chhatra Dal’s democratic activities on campus, blaming the ruling Awami League’s student wing for stoking instability on campuses through undemocratic practices. 

He said that those who once aligned themselves with Chhatra League and participated in violent activities were now responsible for creating an unsettled academic environment.

Earlier, members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had held a protest at Dhaka University, where the group’s convener, Hasnat Abdullah, addressed Chhatra Dal, warning them not to follow in the footsteps of Chhatra League. 

"Those who want to become like the Student League will meet the same fate. Speak the language of the students, understand their attitude, and then call for politics. But if you want to practice cadre-based politics, we will resist you. You (Chhatra Dal) were the oppressed once, do not become the oppressors," he said.

In conclusion, Rakib urged Chhatra Shibir and its supporters to stop making threats in the style of Chhatra League. 

He declared, "Do not threaten us in the style of Chhatra League. Never threaten Chhatra Dal again. Those who are capable do not indulge in misinformation." 

He also called for the expulsion of students involved in the violence at KUET.

This latest clash and the ensuing statements have sparked concerns about growing tensions among student political groups on campus.

The situation is developing, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the violence and the subsequent accusations.