The Jagannath University (JnU) unit of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti held a rally on campus today to protest an alleged attack by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) activists on members of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, Inqilab Mancha and Islami Chhatra Shibir.
During the demonstration, the organisation placed a five-point demand, including punishment for those involved in the attack and a ban on the political activities of non-students on campus.
The programme was held in front of the university's main gate around 2:30pm. Activists of Inqilab Mancha also joined the protest.
Addressing the rally, JnU unit Jatiya Chhatra Shakti General Secretary Shahin Mia said, “Jagannath University belongs to its general students. It has not been handed over to Chhatra Dal, nor to Chhatra League. As long as we are here, we will not allow Chhatra Dal to establish the dominance it is trying to impose.”
He also warned Chhatra Dal against following the path of Chhatra League. “If you choose that path, the same fate that befell Chhatra League awaits you,” he said.
Ismail Hossain Tasin, a member of Inqilab Mancha's JnU branch, also addressed the rally.
At the rally, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti General Secretary Ferdous Sheikh announced the five-point demands.
The demands include identifying and permanently expelling those involved in the attack; arranging temporary accommodation on the university's seven-acre campus within six months; handing over all construction work of the second campus to the army; stopping the political activities of non-students on campus; and ensuring students' safety so that the university can reopen tomorrow.
Activists of JCD and Islami Chhatra Shibir clashed at three educational institutions in Dhaka on Tuesday, a day after a similar incident in Rangpur, reviving fears of a return to frequent and large-scale campus violence.
More than 90 people, including student leaders and journalists, were injured at Jagannath University (JnU), Government Madrasah-e-Alia in Bakshibazar, Dhaka College and Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur.
The clashes between the student groups of the ruling BNP and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami erupted mostly over programmes marking the July Uprising Day. Rival activists carried sticks, iron rods and locally made weapons.
