Correspondent, Chittagong University
The Islami Chhatra Shibir, Chittagong University unit, staged a protest march and rally on campus, accusing the BNP of involvement in the killing of a Jamaat leader. During the protest, Shibir leaders alleged that the BNP is turning into a fascist force and strongly condemned the killing.
The protest march began around 11:30 pm on Wednesday from the Zero point of the university. The procession moved through Zero point, circled Sohrawardy Mor, passed in front of Alaol Hall and A F Rahman Hall, and concluded again at Zero point.
Following the march, a protest rally was held at Zero Point, moderated by the Shibir unit’s office secretary Habibullah Khaled. He claimed, “The BNP has killed more than two hundred people due to internal factional conflicts. They have killed people with stones over extortion. In this continuous chain of killings, they have now begun killing even during elections.” He added that they had expected BNP leaders to rein in violence after returning to the country, but despite delivering speeches nationwide, they remained silent on attacks and cases—proving, he alleged, that these actions were part of a planned agenda.
Addressing the rally, Shibir unit secretary Mohammad Parvez said, “Following the path of the Awami League, the Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, and BNP are now moving forward. Just as we drove out the Awami League by sacrificing our lives in July, if necessary, we will do the same to you (the BNP).” He further stated that the new generation that shed blood in July is ready to do so again if required. By carrying out killings beyond internal party conflicts, he said, the BNP is once again becoming a fascist force. “As long as students and Chhatra Shibir are alive, no fascism will be allowed to be established in this country,” he added. Referring to a BNP leader’s statement upon returning to the country—“I have a plan”—Parvez said the first killing has now revealed that plan, which they would not allow to be implemented.
Among others present at the rally were Shibir’s education secretary Saiduzzaman Mujahid, publicity secretary and CUCSU communication and housing affairs secretary Ishaq Bhuiyan, along with around one hundred leaders and activists of the organization.
Earlier, in Jhenaigati of Sherpur, a clash broke out between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami activists over seating arrangements during an election manifesto reading program organized for candidates of the Sherpur-3 constituency. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shreebardi upazila secretary and Arabic lecturer of Fatehpur Fazil Madrasa, Maulana Rezaul Karim, was critically injured in the clash. He was first taken to Jhenaigati Upazila Health Complex, then to Sherpur Sadar Hospital, and later referred to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, where he died on the way on Wednesday night. At least 30 leaders and activists from both sides were injured in the clash, and chairs and motorcycles at the venue were also vandalized.