Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal staged a demonstration at Islamic University in Kushtia on Friday, alleging that members of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League were involved in a teacher recruitment examination.

The protesters demanded a fascism-free and merit-based recruitment process, claiming that partisan influence was undermining fairness in university appointments.

The demonstration began around 10am in front of the Ibn Sina Academic Building, minutes before the written test for teacher recruitment of the Law and Land Management department was set to begin.

Earlier, representatives of Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Chhatra Union, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement held a meeting with the university administration.

Following the discussion, JCD leaders submitted a written memorandum to the vice-chancellor.

In the memorandum, the JCD alleged that during the Folklore Studies department recruitment test held on Thursday, a candidate named Rakibul Islam Rakib—reportedly linked to the banned Chhatra League—was allowed to participate. They termed it an ‘insult to the spirit of the July Movement’ and the sacrifices of its martyrs.

The statement also said that the Law and Land Management department held its recruitment exams (written and viva) on Friday, with candidates allegedly tied to the Chhatra League also taking part.

IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali, acting registrar Professor Manjurul Haque, and proctor Professor Shahinuzzaman, along with JCD convener Sahed Ahmed, the member secretary, senior joint convener, and other student leaders were present during the meeting.

JCD convener Sahed alleged that Rakibul, a known Chhatra League activist, was among those who passed the Folklore Studies department recruitment test.

"He’s long been associated with the Chhatra League and acted as one of its key funders. It seems efforts are underway to rehabilitate the banned group at IU," he said.

Despite their written complaint, the university administration continued with the exams, he added.

In response, IU VC said that candidates were selected purely on merit. "Anyone qualified could sit for the test, regardless of political views. Recruitment will be based solely on written, viva, and academic performance," he said.

The written exam for the Law and Land Management department, originally scheduled for 10:00am, began an hour late, around 11:00am, drawing frustration among candidates.