Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Vice President Shadik Kayem and a leader of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir said today the term “Gupto” (covert), recently used by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was unbecoming of the office.

He also warned that the culture of “tagging” must not return to educational institutions in post-July Bangladesh.

Shadik Kayem made the remarks while visiting injured Shibir activists at Parkview Hospital in Chattogram city, where he spoke to journalists about yesterday's clashes triggered by graffiti of the word “Gupto” on walls.

Drawing parallels with the previous regime, he alleged, “During the fascist era, we saw Chhatra League and police unite to attack the opposition. Similarly, yesterday, outsiders linked to Chhatra Dal attacked a peaceful Shibir procession with sharp weapons in front of the police, while law enforcement remained silent spectators.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding the word “Gupto”, Shadik Kayem said, “We neither own nor disown this word. Who calls whom ‘Gupto’ is a personal matter.”

Highlighting the severity of the violence, he said the ankle of Ashraful Alam, president of Shibir’s Pahartali Ward unit, was nearly severed in the attack. Although doctors have performed surgery, there remains a grave risk of amputation if the limb does not stabilise within the next 72 hours.

Criticising what he described as administrative inaction, Shadik Kayem demanded immediate legal measures against those responsible.

“If they enjoy impunity, they will continue to launch such attacks on campuses across the country,” he warned.

Addressing the home minister, he added, “Let us know openly if you are patronising terrorists. If so, we will deal with you accordingly.”