United News of Bangladesh

The leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, withdrew blockade from Shahbagh in the capital after nearly one and a half hours on Tuesday afternoon. The JCD activists staged sit-in there demanding justice for their fellow activist Shammo, resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor of Dhaka University and ensuring a safe campus environment. Witnesses said Chhatra Dal activists of its different units gathered in the area around 3pm, halting traffic in the adjacent roads and causing suffering to commuters amid rain. BNP’s 8-day programme marking Zia’s death anniversary JCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib, general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, and activists from Dhaka University, Dhaka Metropolitan North and South units joined the demonstration. They left the area around 5 pm, allowing traffic in the busy intersection to return to normal. Earlier on Sunday, they enforced a similar two-hour blockade at Shahbagh to press home the same demands.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Tuesday staged protests at Dhaka University (DU) seeking justice for the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a DU student and a leader of the organisation.  Three held over killing of DU student in Suhrawardy Udyan Shammo, a student of the 2018–19 sessions at the Institute of Education and Research, and Literary and Publication Secretary of Chhatra Dal’s AF Rahman Hall unit, was stabbed to death by a miscreant at Suhrawardy Udyan near the campus. The rally which began at the base of the Raju Sculpture paraded through the Central Mosque, Madhu’s Canteen, and the Arts Building, ending in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence with a brief gathering. Leaders and activists from various JCD units including Dhaka University, New Market Thana, Titumir College, and Kobi Nazrul College participated in the rally. Addressing the gathering, Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir demanded the resignation of the DU Vice-Chancellor, Proctor, and the Home Affairs Adviser, holding them responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation on and around the campus. “As the chief guardian of the university, the Vice-Chancellor cannot escape responsibility for this murder. His failure has been exposed by two violent incidents in quick succession after the student movement. The Proctor must also resign,” Nasir said. “We also call for the resignation of the Home Affairs Adviser as another student named Parvez from a private university was recently killed in a similar knife attack. These incidents shows a collapse of public safety,” he added. Following the Zuhr prayers, Shammo’s namaz-e-janaza was held at the university’s central mosque. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor Associate Prof Saifuddin Ahmed attended the funeral along with DU teachers and students. BNP’s Publicity Secretary Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Student Affairs Secretary Rokibul Islam Bakul, Shammo’s elder brother Anwaruzzaman Sagor, and several Chhatra Dal leaders and activists were also present. Later, Shammo’s body was taken to his ancestral home in Sirajganj for burial following a second funeral prayer, family members said. Dhaka University has declared Thursday (May 15) as a day of mourning. Academic activities will remain suspended for half the day, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan announced at a press conference. The university administration also held an emergency meeting attended by representatives from the Ministry of Public Works, Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), Department of Narcotics Control, and relevant DU departments. Several decisions were taken regarding safety measures in and around Suhrawardy Udyan. A seven-member investigation committee, led by Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, has been formed to probe the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its findings within three working days. Shahbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Khalid Mansur said three were arrested in connection with the murder.  Electric shuttle car service launched at DU

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) has suspended 37 students in connection with the violent clashes that erupted on campus in February this year. The decision was taken during an emergency syndicate meeting held on Monday night. Residential halls closed, all academic activities suspended sine die at KUET Alongside the suspensions, the university authorities also announced that academic activities will resume on May 4, with residential halls set to reopen on May 2. But, protesting students have rejected the decision, vowing to continue their sit-in in front of the administrative building until the halls are reopened. According to a press release issued late Monday by Kuet’s Public Relations Office, the 101st (emergency) syndicate meeting convened to review the sealed investigation report submitted by a probe committee formed during the 98th (emergency) syndicate meeting on 19 February.  The investigation followed the violent incidents that occurred on 18 and 19 February. “Based on the findings and allegations of involvement in the incident, the syndicate decided to suspend 37 students,” the release said.  “The matter has also been referred to the university’s Student Disciplinary Committee for further action, as per the recommendations of the investigation report,” it mentioned.  Protesting students expressed frustration, saying their primary demand was for the immediate reopening of the halls, starting Monday night. They also complained about the lack of official communication from the authorities following the syndicate meeting.  “We waited to be informed but no one came to brief us,” one student said. The students argue that the delay in resuming academic activities is disrupting their education and livelihood. Many noted that the inability to stay in university halls is affecting their private tuition jobs — a crucial source of income for numerous students. The unrest at Kuet traces back to 18 February, when clashes broke out between members of Chhatra Dal and other students, along with local residents, amid tensions over calls to ban student politics on campus. The violence left over 100 people injured. Kuet student delegation moves towards Dhaka to meet CA In the wake of the clashes, Kuet suspended academic activities and closed all halls indefinitely on February 25.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, will hold a protest march titled 'March for Justice' on Saturday. The march will start at 2 pm from the Institute of Engineers and end at the Central Shaheed Minar, said a JCD  press release on Friday. This march will highlight JCD's demand for justice and punishment for the terrorist activities carried out by now-banned Chhatra League in educational institutions during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, according to the release. 3 JCD leaders suspended for breaching discipline in Barishal JCD is also demanding an investigation on and appropriate action against the teachers who played a role as allies of the fallen Awami League government  during the student-led uprising in July-August, particularly in educational institutions. JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and its General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir announced this programme on Friday.  

Chhatra Dal’s Dhaka University unit held a protest rally Thursday, demanding justice for the attack on ethnic minority students and the arrest of those responsible. The protest march started at 4:30 pm from the TSC Square, circled the VC Square, and ended with a brief rally in front of the Raju Sculpture.  Chhatra Dal activists demonstrate at Dhaka University Leaders from all levels of Dhaka University Chhatra Dal were present at the rally. Dhaka University Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Ray said, "Yesterday, some students went peacefully to demand their rights. Another group, claiming to be students, attacked the students of Dhaka University and other universities. Today, when students went to meet the Home Affairs Adviser in protest, police fired tear gas at them. We condemn this." He addressed the Dhaka University administration, saying, "This is the same scenario as under the Awami League. How can the administration attack students' democratic protests inside a self-governed institution like Dhaka University?" DU Chhatra Dal announces full committee  He demanded medical treatment for the injured students at Dhaka University and NCTB and called for the attackers to be brought to justice. He also urged the DU vice chancellor and proctor to take public responsibility since the attack took place on the university campus. Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon expressed similar sentiments, saying, "The police attack on students' legitimate movements mirrors the tactics of the Awami League. Our brothers and sisters have been injured. We demand an explanation from the university administration."

Mentioning that there is no reason to be worried if a few more political parties emerge in Bangladesh, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said those who fear the people’s verdict are spreading confusion about the next national election. “More new political parties may emerge in the country, if necessary. This’s a democratic practice and there’s nothing to be upset about. BNP welcomes all democratic initiatives that serve the needs of the state and politics," he told a discussion. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking its 46th founding anniversary. The BNP student body observed the day with various activities, including placing a wreath at the grave of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, organising a blood donation camp at the IEB, and holding an inter-hall badminton competition at Dhaka University. Since BNP’s birth, Tarique said, their party has always been in favour of the practice of multi-party politics and diverse opinions in all situations and at all times. "In this regard, BNP's stance is very clear that the people will give their verdict through the election, determining which party they accept or reject. But it’s only those who are afraid to face the verdict of the people's court or who have ulterior motives create various confusion about the arrangement of election,” he observed. The BNP leader urged democracy-loving people not to lose patience but to start preparing mentally for the election. "Keep faith that the Election Commission will properly perform the duties it has been entrusted with.” He also called upon BNP leaders, activists, and supporters not to be confused by the malicious campaigns against the party and the election. "But be careful and don't involve yourselves in any activity that might give others the opportunity to spread negative propaganda against the party.” "Keep yourselves in people's confidence and do your best to maintain that trust," Tarique advised the party rank and file. People to get back their country’s ownership soon: Moyeen Khan As the “chief of the mafia regime of the Awami League” has fled the country, he said, it is now time for every political party to make efforts to transform Bangladesh into a democratic and humane country, free from discrimination, in line with people's desires. To achieve this goal, the BNP leader said, the political parties must now present their respective political programmes and ideologies to the people, seeking public support in accordance with democratic practice. "In such a situation, BNP, along with all patriotic people and political parties, considers the question of whether the reform or the election raised by some quarters to be nothing more than an ill-motivated and malicious argument. Rather, our party BNP believes that both reforms and elections are necessary for bringing about a qualitative change in the state, politics, and political parties," he said. Tarique further explained that reforms are an inevitable and continuous process to make the existing system more relevant and up to date. "Similarly, elections are the most important and effective way to make the democratic system sustainable and institutionalised." He said the opportunity to exercise the right to vote through elections ensures the political power of both the state and the people. "BNP believes that if the political and economic power of the people in the state is not secured, democracy, human rights, or political reforms will ultimately not be sustainable." Tarique said the interim government has undertaken a number of important reforms and major reform programmes, as they are undeniably needed. "But if the daily suffering of the people is ignored under the guise of these reform programmes, the people may be forced to speak out in anger about the government's reform initiatives." The BNP leader pointed out that questions have already arisen in the minds of the people regarding what steps the government has taken to dismantle the market syndicate created during the autocratic regime and bring the prices of essentials within the purchasing capacity of the people. He also questioned why people still have to crowd the courts daily to deal with the lakhs of cases filed during the fascist regime. Tarique warned once again that if the interim government fails to prioritise its reforms or adopted plans, conspirators will seize the opportunity to destroy the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising. Fakhrul calls for continued struggle for democracy in 2025 He said the plotters have already made repeated attempts to destabilise the country. “The pro-democratic forces do not want to see the failure of the current government, which was founded on the blood of thousands of students. This is why BNP has continued to support this government as a pro-people political party.” The BNP leader urged everyone to remain vigilant, ensuring that no imprudent decisions lead to the destruction of the hopes for a mass uprising. "In this regard, every leader and worker of the Chhatra Dal should remain alert and cautious." He said students and youth can play a significant role in building a safe and self-reliant Bangladesh for future generations, rising above personal gain. Tarique reminded the JCD leaders and workers that students are the key to building a knowledge-based society. "Students must be aware of the state and politics, but your first and foremost goal as student s should be to study, study and study." Addressing the programme, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the people of the country established the interim government by overthrowing the fascist regime through the July-August mass uprising. He expressed the hope that the interim government will hold a credible election by completing minimum necessary electoral and financial reforms. Tarique calls for equality, dignity, justice in 2025 vision Fakhrul said the persisting problems in the country can be resolved only by establishing an elected government through a fair and acceptable election. The BNP leader also said various conspiracies are being hatched against the country and against the BNP both at home and abroad, similar to the past. "No conspiracy can split or weaken the BNP like in the past.” He urged BNP and JCD leaders and workers to confront all conspiracies with their intellect. "We must mount strong resistance against all conspiracies.” Fakhrul said BNP seeks reforms, as the party was founded on the principles of state reforms and the introduction of multi-party democracy by its founder Ziaur Rahman. "It is not true that BNP does not want reform. We have presented reform proposals at various times. Reform is an ongoing process, but elections cannot be delayed in the name of reforms," he said.

A man was beaten to death by an Awami League leader and his associates in Tukerbazar area of Sylhet Sadar upazila on Tuesday night, the deceased’s family says. The deceased was identified as Sheikh Uddin, 50, son of late Fazar Ali of Shahpur Dakshinpara in Tukerbazar. Sheikh Uddin was the elder brother of Zainul Ahmad Joy, convenor of Sylhet Sadar upazila Chhatra Dal. According to Joy, the incident occurred on Friday after Jumma prayers. Chhatra Dal activist shot dead in Narsingdi He said, dispute over land had been ongoing with local Awami League activist Shah Mia. Sheikh Uddin approached Lilu Mia, convener of Ward 39 Awami League in Sylhet City Corporation, to seek a resolution. However, instead of addressing the complaint, Lilu Mia allegedly sided with Shah Mia and began assaulting Sheikh Uddin. Later, Lilu and his group attacked Sheikh Uddin's residence, vandalizing property and physically assaulting him, Joy said. Sheikh Uddin sustained severe injuries and was admitted to Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries after five days of treatment. 3 killed in road accidents in Chandpur and Jashore Jalalabad Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Harunur Rashid said that Sheikh Uddin's brother filed an attempted murder case on December 23. It will now be considered a murder case, he said. Police have already launched operations to apprehend the accused, said the OC.

Some students of Dhaka University have burst into protest after Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's (JCD), student wing of BNP, put up posters on the campus to mark the National Revolution and Solidarity Day. Students from Bijoy Ekattor Hall first brought out a protest rally at 9:30 pm on Wednesday and they were later joined by students from Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall, Kobi Jasimuddin Hall, Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall and other dormitories. They marched across the campus protesting what they said JCD's political campaign in violation of a recent ban on student politics in the university. During the protests, students chanted slogans such as "Posters on walls, misfortune ahead," "Student politics has no place here," and "2024, no more student politics." The students stated that they would continue their protest until the university administration removed the posters put up by Chhatra Dal from the walls of halls. Protester Mir Muhammad Asif said, "Despite the campus ban on student politics, Chhatra Dal has put up posters here. They are attempting to bring back student politics in the halls. We will continue our movement to prevent this." Read: Hidden hardships students from lower middle-income families endure in public universities

Police have arrested a Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader who allegedly led vandalism and arson attacks on garment factories and other establishments in Gazipur.The arrestee was identified as Ripon Hossain, joint convener of Kaliakoir upazila unit of Chhatra Dal.A press briefing on the development was held at Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner's office earlier today (November 07, 2023). Read: Case filed against 85 BNP leaders, activists over bus burnt in Khulna's RupshaGazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Mahbub Alam said that after going over footage and photos, it was found that several garment factories in Shafipur and Konabari of the district were set on fire and vandalised under Ripon Hossain’s leadership.“Under his leadership, attempts were made to create an unstable environment by committing these crimes to implement the party's agenda in the name of demanding wage hikes for garment workers,” the Gazipur police commissioner said. Read: US says it takes any violence leading up to election in Bangladesh ‘incredibly seriously’A police team arrested Ripon from Dhaka's Hazaribagh area yesterday.The Chhatra Dal leader will be sent to court and police will appeal for 10 days' remand for more details, the police official added.

Khulna District Chhatra Dal President Abdul Mannan has remained misding 48 hours after he was picked up from his house allegedly by detective police, his family said on Friday. On Wednesday afternoon, some people in plain clothes picked him up from his rented house in the Nirala residential area of the city, said his niece Munni Khatun. Countrywide blockade: Long-route bus services from Khulna suspended She said, “Eight men in plain clothes entered his rented house on Wednesday afternoon. They all had weapons. They picked up Mannan saying he would be released after questioning. We haven't been able to find him since then.” Meanwhile, Manna’s family members and Chhatra Dal leaders went to different police stations and DB offices in Khulna to find the whereabouts of Mannan, said Gazi Shahidul Islam, organising secretary of Khulna District Chhatra Dal. Khulna-Mongla rail line to be inaugurated on Nov 1 He said, “All those arrested before and after the blockade were sent to court within 7-8 hours. But the district Chhatra Dal president has not been sent to court even after 48 hours and that’s why we are concerned.” Hasan Al Mamun, the officer-in-charge of Khulna Sadar Police Station said there has been no arrest of anyone by the name of Abdul Mannan. Miscreants set BNP office on fire in Khulna Deputy Police Commissioner (DB) of Khulna, BM Nuruzzaman, also provided the same information.