BJCD Demands Student Council Elections at Universities for a Terrorism-free Environment
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders call for student council elections at all universities, including BUET, to eradicate terrorism.
BJCD Demands Student Council Elections for a Terrorism-free Environment
It's not every day that student leaders take a stand against the status quo. But that's exactly what the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BJCD) did recently. In a bold move, they demanded student council elections at all universities across the country to ensure a terrorism-free academic environment. Led by BJCD president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, the student wing of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party organized a press conference at Dhaka Reporter's Unity in the capital to address the ongoing crisis at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
During the press conference, Rakibul Islam Rakib emphasized that the decision to allow politics in BUET should be solely in the hands of BUET students. He highlighted the students' resistance against the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, especially after the tragic murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad by some BCL leaders in 2019.
- Rakibul Islam claimed that BCL engaged in violent activities, protecting criminals and disrupting the academic environment.
He further alleged that with BCL's influence waning on the BUET campus, they were plotting to resume their nefarious activities. Rakibul stressed that no student organization, including BJCD, would condone such behavior. He praised the BUET students for standing up against toxic politics and expressed solidarity with their cause.
BJCD's Stance on Student Politics
Nasir Uddin Nasir, the general secretary of BJCD, echoed Rakibul's sentiments by stating that if BUET students welcomed BJCD, the student organization would actively engage on the BUET campus. Rakibul also revealed plans to extend their activities to the Dhaka University campus post-Eid-ul-Fitr.
Meanwhile, BUET students continued their movement for the sixth consecutive day to ensure a politics-free campus environment. In response to the students' protests, the High Court recently allowed all political organizations to resume activities on the BUET campus, prompting a four-point program announcement by BCL to reintroduce regular political engagement.
Imtiaz Hossen, a civil engineering student at BUET and a BCL central committee member, has been at the forefront of organizing BCL activities on campus. However, following demands from protesting students, the university authorities revoked his resident permission. The BUET students have been adamant about the permanent expulsion of Imtiaz and other students involved in resuming BCL activities on March 29.
Seeking Coexistence and Stability
With the ban on political activities initially put in place after Abrar Fahad's tragic death, BUET students have been vocal about maintaining a safe and conducive academic environment. BJCD's call for student council elections at universities and the coexistence of all political organizations aims to restore stability on campuses and prevent the resurgence of violence and political turmoil.
The recent developments at BUET serve as a reminder of the power of student voices and the importance of safeguarding educational institutions from external influences that may disrupt the learning environment. The demand for student council elections reflects a commitment to promoting democratic values and ensuring that students have a say in shaping their academic communities.
Hi, Ali Rahman in the house! From Chittagong, Bangladesh, I've been on a wild ride from Banskhali Bangabandhu High School to Govt. Alaol College and beyond, landing me at National University. Now, I'm here to dish out the lowdown on national issues and global news. Stick around for a fresh take on what's shaking up our world! Connect With Me