United News of Bangladesh

The Chuadanga district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has launched an awareness campaign across Alamdanga upazila to keep students away from drugs and raise awareness among parents about child marriage. Over the past week, greeting cards were distributed to around 20,000 parents through their children at 56 secondary schools, six colleges and five madrasas out of 67 educational institutions in the upazila. Chuadanga District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Momin Malita said the organisation would continue such awareness programmes, in cooperation with the administration and other conscious sections of society, to prevent various social problems. “Parents should play a more conscious and responsible role in building a society free from drugs and child marriage,” he said. The formal launch of the campaign took place at Munshiganj Academy Secondary School in Alamdanga. Momin Malita, Acting Headmaster of the school Md Anwarul Islam and others attended the programme. Leaders and activists of the district, upazila, municipal, college and union units of Chhatra Dal were divided into several groups and visited educational institutions across the upazila to distribute the greeting cards to parents. Among others, Alamdanga Upazila Chhatra Dal Convener Zahid Hasan Shuvo, Member Secretary Al Imran Russell, Alamdanga Municipality Chhatra Dal Convener Atiq Hasnat Rinku, Member Secretary Mahmudul Haque Tanmoy, Nigar Siddique Degree College Chhatra Dal Organising Secretary Rajibul Haque, Alamdanga Government College Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Kajal Rahman, assistant teacher Machidul Islam and teachers from different educational institutions supported the campaign.

At least 10 people were injured in several rounds of clashes between leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on Monday night, leaving the campus tense. The clashes began over a banner displayed at a Shibir-organised exhibition featuring photographs of several people convicted of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War. The confrontation started around 7:30pm and continued for nearly three hours, with the two groups engaging in chases, throwing bricks and chairs, and attacking each other with sticks. After the clashes, the two groups remained positioned against each other on the campus until around 12:20am. Shibir activists took position near the university's main gate, while Chhatra Dal activists gathered near a mosque at Park Mor on the Rangpur-Lalmonirhat-Kurigram road. Additional police were deployed on the campus to bring the situation under control. The injured included former university Shibir president Sohel Rana, current secretary Imran Khan Saurav, activist Mehdi Hasan , Baizid Shikdar, Mursalin and Chhatra Dal leader Ashik. All 10 injured people received primary treatment and later returned home. The campus was calm on Tuesday morning, although tension was still prevailing in the area. According to witnesses and sources, the university Shibir unit organised an exhibition titled “July Against Oppression” throughout Monday. The exhibition displayed photographs of several political figures, describing some of them as victims of “judicial killing.” Chhatra Dal activists objected to a banner portraying BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, who was convicted of war crimes, as a victim of judicial killing and demanded its removal. An argument between the two groups over the banner soon escalated into a clash. Shibli Sadik, office secretary of the university Shibir unit, alleged that Chhatra Dal activists pressured them to remove the banner. He said they wanted to leave the matter to the university administration, but Chhatra Dal activists attacked them. “We tried to stop after the situation became relatively calm following the arrival of the proctor. But they suddenly attacked again with sticks and bricks. We tried to resist the attack,” he said. Begum Rokeya University Chhatra Dal president Md Yamin said photographs of Jamaat leaders including Golam Azam, Abdul Quader Mollah and Motiur Rahman Nizami had been displayed alongside a photograph of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at the exhibition. We asked them to remove those photographs. They responded by throwing chairs, and one of our activists was injured, he said. University Proctor Dr Ferdous Rahman said those involved in the clashes would be identified by reviewing video footage. “A probe committee will be formed and necessary action will be taken quickly,” he said. Officer-in-Charge of Tajhat Police Station under Rangpur Metropolitan Police Rafikul Islam, said police reached the campus soon after receiving information about the clash. “There was a physical altercation between Chhatra Dal and Chhatrashibir. No written complaint has been filed so far. The situation is currently under control,” he said. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Showkat Ali said the administration would examine video footage and take disciplinary action against anyone found involved. The vice-chancellor also alleged that banned Bangladesh Chhatra League could be trying to create instability on the campus and urged everyone to remain alert. Additional police have been deployed across the campus to maintain order.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) on Sunday staged a protest march on Dhaka University campus, condemning  the offensive remarks about women made from the verified X account of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman. The protest was held in response to a post circulated on social media on Saturday which drew widespread criticism for its language towards women.

Islamic University Chhatra Dal on Monday issued an ultimatum demanding the resignation of University Proctor Professor Dr Shahinuzzaman, alleging failure to ensure justice and campus safety even six months after the murder of student Sajid Abdullah. Chhatra Dal coordinator Sahed Ahmed warned that if the proctor does not resign by 4pm Tuesday, protesters will besiege the Vice-Chancellor’s office at 11:00 am Wednesday. He made the announcement at a human chain organised under the banner of general students, demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of those involved in Sajid’s killing. IU Chhatra Dal leader files case against Mufti Amir Hamza over defamatory remarks Addressing the programme, Sahed accused the administration of “six months of deception” and said members of the fact-finding committee formed after the murder should also be brought under investigation. In the Vice-Chancellor’s absence, the pro-vice-chancellor said the demand would be conveyed to the VC. University Treasurer Prof Dr Md Jahangir Alam said the proctor bears no individual responsibility as he is appointed by the administration, adding that the murder case is under police investigation and there is no lack of sincerity from the VC or administration. “If students take any programme, not just the proctor, we all will join them,” he said. IU Shibir secretary Rashedule Islam Rafi, Chhatra Dal member secretary Masud Rumi Mithun, former Anti-Discrimination Student Movement co-coordinator Tanvir Mahmud Mondol, and students from different departments attended the human chain.

A leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of BNP, was killed and at least 15 people were injured in a clash between two rival groups over establishing supremacy in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria on Saturday. The deceased was identified as Sohrab Mia, 28, son of late Chan Mia of Kathalkandi village and joint secretary of JCD’s Chhatlapar union unit. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tapan Sarkar of the Sarail Circle said there had been tensions between the rival groups for several months over establishing dominance in the area, which ultimately led to Saturday’s fatal clash. 5 OCs among 8 police officials transferred in Brahmanbaria Locals said the clash broke out around noon at Chhatlapar Bazar under Chhatlapar union between the two groups known as ‘Ulla Faction’ and ‘Molla Faction’ from Kathalkandi village of Chhatlapar union. The clash continued for about an hour, leaving Sohrab critically injured. He died on the way to hospital. The injured are receiving treatment locally, police said. Additional police have been deployed in the area to avoid further untoward incidents. Legal steps are underway in connection with the incident, the ASP added.

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."