Islami Chhatra Shibir has alleged that conspiracies are underway to derail upcoming student union elections at Dhaka University and other universities, claiming the efforts are being orchestrated “at London’s direction.”
The allegation came from Shibir Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam during a protest rally at Shahbagh in Dhaka on Tuesday.
The Dhaka metropolitan unit of the organization organized the program to protest what it described as a conspiracy to cancel the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, incidents of sexual harassment, attacks on students at Chittagong University and Bangladesh Agricultural University, and what it called continuous propaganda against Shibir.
Earlier in the day, Shibir activists held a protest march starting from the National Press Club around 2 pm. The procession moved through Kadam Fountain and Matsya Bhaban before ending at Shahbagh, where a brief rally was held.
Speaking at the gathering, Saddam said, “A writ petition was filed regarding the validity of Shibir’s general secretary candidate in the DUCSU election. But instead of addressing that specific issue, the court ordered postponement of the entire election. For what reason, and on whose signal, was this done? We believe such activities are being carried out at London’s direction.”
He further alleged that university administrations are acting at the behest of the Chhatra Dal. “After the announcement of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) election dates, the schedule was postponed in response to Chhatra Dal’s appeal. Such unilateral actions, without consulting others, create deep concerns for us,” he said.
According to Saddam, rival student groups have united to block Shibir from participating at Dhaka University. “Leftists, the ruling party’s student wing, and Chhatra Dal have formed an alliance against us. Instead of focusing on how student politics should function, they are resorting to bullying, tagging, and harassment in order to re-establish fascist politics,” he claimed.
Addressing Chhatra Dal, Saddam warned: “If you continue with a politics of arms, extortion, abduction, murder, and disappearances, then wait for the consequences. Time will not spare anyone. Students are now aware and will respond through the ballot.”
The rally was also attended by Shibir’s central office secretary Sibgatullah Sibga, publicity secretary Azizur Rahman Azad, and other leaders from its Dhaka metropolitan unit.
