United News of Bangladesh

A group of students staged a protest, including the burning of an effigy, against what they described as “defamatory” remarks and false allegations made by a Jamaat leader targeting Dhaka University and its female students. The protest was held on Sunday at around 7 pm in front of the Raju Sculpture on the  Quniversity campus. DUCSU Rarch Secretary Sanjida Ahmed Tonni, member Hema Chakma, leaders of various hall student unions, and leaders from Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shakti, Socialist Students’ Front, and Revolutionary Students’ Unity were present. The protesters demanded that the Jamaat leader withdraw his comments and issue a public apology. Earlier, on Saturday night, during an election campaign, Barguna District Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary Shamim Ahsan reportedly said, “We have seen that after the DUCSU election, DUCSU had become a den of drugs and a brothel, which Islami Chhatra Shibir has been able to change. Therefore, Jamaat-e-Islami is capable of eradicating all forms of injustice, extortion, and corruption from Bangladesh.” Victory Day observed at Dhaka University through numerous programs In protest against these remarks, students chanted slogans, burned an effigy and later went to the university’s Proctor’s Office to demand justice. DUCSU member Hema Chakma questioned how a political leader could make such comments so openly at an election rally. “Is this what we still have to witness in 2026?” she said. “We, as women, are now sufficiently aware of our rights, our economic freedom, and our social liberation. We are those women who want to raise their voices, especially those who have come to Dhaka University from remote areas.” She added, “If I myself had not been admitted here, I might not have been able to stand here and speak today. If DUCSU, which represents all of us, is labeled as a hub of drugs and a brothel, is this the kind of Bangladesh we want? Absolutely not.” Hema Chakma also alleged that female students at Dhaka University face various forms of harassment. “Women are restricted from going to the Mol Chattar area after 10 pm. Administrative barriers are imposed. Entry to the Central Field is restricted after 5 pm, and various allegations are made. Even after showing ID cards, students are harassed. Our position has always been against such harassment,” she said. Another student leader, Monowar Hossain Pranto, said, “The organization Jamaat-e-Islami, which carried out killings, oppression, and devastation against our mothers and sisters in 1971 and tried to crush our aspiration for independence, is an anti-liberation force. We do not expect anything better from them. They were our enemies in 1971, and they continue to be our enemies in 2024 and 2025.” Dhaka University observes Martyred Intellectuals Day with due solemnity Meanwhile, the university administration has also strongly condemned the statement. In an official press release, Dhaka University authorities said they had drawn attention to the remarks made by Barguna District Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Md. Shamim Ahsan regarding the DUCSU building. “The university administration strongly condemns and protests this obscene, vulgar, indecent, and reckless statement. Such remarks have severely damaged the dignity, reputation, tradition, and honor of Dhaka University. The university authorities are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the statement and urge everyone to refrain from making such irresponsible comments,” the statement added.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday suspected that Dhaka University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Shahriar Alam Shammo was killed for political reasons, as he raised his voice in favour of the national flag and anthem. “Shammo held a position in the AF Rahman Hall unit of Chhatra Dal. What was the reason, and what wrong did Shammo commit to deserve such a fate? The police have arrested three vagabonds. We believe there is a political motive behind this murder,” he said at a human chain programme. The BNP leader questioned, if there was no political motive, why would a well-groomed, gentle young man like Shammo be subjected to murder. “Why would vagabonds kill him? Who were Shammo’s political enemies? We are getting a few clues. So, identify these political enemies and bring them to justice immediately. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire,” he warned, pointing at the government. The Northern Region Students’ Forum organised the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding justice for the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, who hailed from Sirajganj district. Shammo, a student of Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research (IER) and the Literature and Publication Secretary of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of JCD, was stabbed to death near Suhrawardy Udyan around midnight on Tuesday. JCD stages protest at DU demanding VC’s resignation Just days ago, Rizvi said Shammo posted on Facebook in defence of the national anthem during a protest in Shahbagh demanding its ban. “Could this be why he was targeted?” he asked. “He posted in favour of the national anthem. He delivered a message against those protesting the anthem. Was this the reason for his killing?” he said. The BNP leader drew parallels with the political killing of Abrar Fahad in 2019. “Just as Abrar was murdered for speaking against the neighbouring country’s aggression and water aggression, now Shammo has been killed for speaking in favour of the national anthem, the flag, or our independence. That’s why I said, there must be a political reason behind it.” He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the murder of the JCD leader, expressing doubt over the arrest of the three vagabonds. “Why are there still bodies lying on the campus? Why is there still blood on the campus? Why is there still bloodshed inside the university grounds? The associates of the Awami League are no longer in power,” he observed. Rizvi also criticised the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor for allegedly mistreating JCD leaders who had approached him seeking justice for Shammo’s murder. “You became irritated, angry, and even addressed them disrespectfully. Why? Just because Shammo was from Chhatra Dal?” he questioned. “We know your political ideology. You and your proctor follow a specific belief and do not favour those who represent nationalist views on campus. If university authorities act like gang leaders trying to impose their ideology, then it is no longer a university,” he said. DU students hold torch procession to protest Shammo's death The BNP leader noted that a Vice-Chancellor may have personal beliefs, but when he becomes an administrator, he must act impartially. “If you try to enforce your ideology instead of ensuring peace, the campus will never be peaceful.” He also urged the interim government to run the country wisely and inclusively. “Look in all directions. If you try to impose one ideology or promote one party, the people will eventually not spare you.”