Chatra Dal calls for ban on Chhatra League, not student politics

The Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal has demanded a ban on the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), accusing the organisation of engaging in violence and occupying campuses, rather than calling for an end to student politics altogether. 

The call comes after 49 Chatra Dal leaders and activists were killed during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in July and August.

Speaking at a press conference held at the party's central office in Naya Paltan today (21 August), Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir said, "We want to restore positive campus-based politics, but those involved in criminal activities and extortion on campuses should be banned."

In response to recent decisions by several universities and medical colleges to prohibit student politics, Nasir further clarified, "The politics of those who engaged in terrorism and extortion on campuses can be banned, but student politics cannot be banned because of their misdeeds. We hope that while some universities may have banned student politics to manage temporary pressure, it will eventually be reinstated."

He also mentioned that Chatra Dal members actively participated in the Anti-discrimination Student Movement from the beginning, standing alongside general students under the movement's banner. 

"From the start of the movement in July-August, Chatra Dal activists were on the streets with the general students. Over 2,000 of our activists have been arrested," he said.

Nasir assured that Chatra Dal would provide financial assistance to its injured members and emphasised that none of its members were involved in violence. 

"If any disorder is observed anywhere, Chatra Dal will step forward to address it," he added.