Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has called on Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman to instruct party leaders and activists that “terror-style politics has no place in Bangladesh.”
At a press conference in front of the Ducsu building on Saturday, Ducsu also expressed “sincere thanks” to Shafiqur Rahman, ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and head of the 11-party alliance, for not attempting to destabilize the country after the election.
Ducsu alleged attacks by BNP activists across the country and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice, warning that they would return to the streets if their demands are not met.
Addressing Tarique Rahman, Ducsu Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem said: “You should give clear instructions to your party leaders and activists that this kind of terror-styled politics will not be tolerated in Bangladesh and that politics based on threats and intimidation cannot continue here.”
Referring to the “July uprising,” Shadik said it aimed to dismantle a “fascist structure” and build a new political culture. “But we are seeing the same patterns of post-election violence, clashes, and threats that we witnessed during the fascist period,” he added. He demanded that all involved in the violence be held accountable under the law.
Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad praised Shafiqur Rahman for his post-election restraint. “After the election, he could have called for actions that might destabilize the country. Instead, he instructed his leaders and activists to remain calm.”
Farhad said three deaths occurred nationwide within 24 hours of the election, describing the incidents as “very unexpected.” Responding to questions about attacks on BNP activists, he said Ducsu opposed all forms of political violence. “Yes — all of them. If Jamaat does it, if NCP does it, if anyone attacks others, we will oppose it,” he told Dhaka Tribune.
He added that in three reviewed incidents involving the National Citizens Party (NCP) and Jamaat, after losing, one group blamed BNP and then attacks ensued.