Chhatra League, Chhatra Sangram Parishad demand punishment of ‘attackers of DU VC’  

Bangladesh Chhatra League men at Dhaka University have reasserted their claim that they were not involved in Tuesday’s attack on DU students, and they demanded punishment of those who “assaulted” the university’s vice chancellor. The leaders and activists of the ruling party’s student body were speaking at a press briefing at DU Madhur Canteen on Saturday at 11am. The press conference was held under the banner of “Conscious Students of DU,” even though a Chhatra League press release on Friday said the briefing would be held under its own banner.

---

Also Read - DU Chhatra League attack students, liberate besieged VC

---

Earlier, the Awami League top brass instructed them to clarify their position by holding a press conference. On Tuesday, over 100 demonstrators, including leftist student leaders and general students, besieged VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman, protesting a previous assault on them by the Chhatra League men and demanding cancellation of the affiliation of seven colleges with the university. According to media reports and witnesses, Chhatra League men led by its General Secretary SM Jakir Hossain and DU unit President Abid Al Hasan swung into action to escort the VC away, punching, slapping, kicking and beating up the demonstrators with iron rods. Bangladesh Chhatra League men holding a press conference under the banner of “Conscious Students of DU” at the university’s Madhur Canteen on Saturday Fehim Reza ShovonAt least 30 students were hurt in the attack. With severe injuries, 10 of them were admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and DU Medical Centre. Reading out a written statement at the press conference, Abdullah Al Noman, chief convenor of the Chhatra League-backed platform, said: "We demand exemplary punishment of those who ‘assaulted’ the VC. If Chhatra League men are found guilty, they should be brought to book as well.”

---

Also Read - Chhatra League attack on DU students: Nationwide strike called for Jan 29 

---

Benojir Ahmed, social welfare affairs secretary to the DU Surya Sen Hall unit Chhatra League, and Mahmudul Hassan, drama and debate affairs secretary to the Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall unit, were present there, among other leaders and activists of the student body. Meanwhile, Chhatra Sangram Parishad, a coalition of leftist student bodies of member parties in the Awami League-led alliance, held another press conference at the same place around 12pm, raising similar demands.

---

Also Read - Chhatra League: We were first assaulted by the demonstrators

---

Speaking at the event, Chhatra League President Saifur Rahman Sohag refuted the allegation that members of his organization attacked the students, saying the demonstrators assaulted the VC and damaged the university’s properties. “Members of Chhatra Sangram Parishad are determined to do anything necessary for welfare of the university and its general students. And we’ll ensure 'stability' on the campus at any cost,” he said. Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (JSD), Bangladesh Chhatra League (Ambia), Bangladesh Chhatra Maitree, Bangladesh Chhatra Andolan, Bangladesh Chhatra Samity and Jatiya Chhatra Oikkya were also present there.