The BCL faction started the demonstration at the base of Raju Memorial Sculpture after the central BCL issued a notice that its new committee would pay respects to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at his mural at Dhanmondi today.
“The new committee can't place wreaths at Bangabandhu mural without the expulsion of the controversial leaders. By placing wreaths at the base of Bangabandhu mural, the new controversial committee will get legitimacy and that’s why we’re here to protest the move,” BM Lipi Akhter, president of BCL DU Rokeya Hall unit, told UNB.
Rana Hamid, former social welfare affairs secretary of BCL, said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had ordered expulsion of those controversial leaders from the new committee. But, they aren’t following the Prime Minister’s order.”
"Once these controversial individuals can pay tributes to Bangabandhu, they’ll immediately be recognised with their new organisational designation. It’s our tradition to pay tributes to Bangabandhu before taking over charge,” he added.