As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in- tensifi es eff orts to reorganize its student wing ahead of a critical political period, the roll- out of dozens of new Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal committees across the country has triggered protests, factional clashes and allegations of “pocket committees” from disgruntled lead- ers and activists.
The BNP-affi liated student organization has launched a large-scale restructuring drive aimed at reviving grassroots activity and overcoming years of organisational stagnation.
In recent days, the central leadership ap- proved more than 45 full and partial committees covering metropolitan units, districts, universities and colleges nationwide.
New committees were announced for Dhaka Metropolitan North, South, East and West, along with several district and metropolitan units including Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Nars- ingdi, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Cumilla. Committees were also formed at major educational institutions, including Dhaka College, Bangladesh University of Textiles and Barishal University. Party insiders said the committees were submitted to BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman in April by Chhatra Dal president Md Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir before being approved in phases. Several more committees are await- ing clearance. Central leaders say the move is designed to strengthen the organisation with “qualified, active and acceptable leadership” at the grassroots level as BNP attempts to consoli- date its political base.
But the restructuring process has also exposed deep internal divisions. Following the announcements, protests erupted in several districts as excluded lead- ers accused the central leadership of sidelining longtime activists while rewarding loyalists, married individuals and alleged former Chhatra League affi liates with key posts. In Noakhali, angry activists blocked roads by burning tyres, while clashes between rival factions in Rangamati prompted local authorities to impose Section 144 to restore order. In Barisal, protesters blocked highways alleging “unwarranted infi ltration” into the committee structure.
Demonstrations and protest programs were also reported in Kishoreganj and Bandarban. Critics within the organization alleged that “pocket committees” were formed in several units by ignoring grassroots opinions and excluding leaders who faced repression during politically diffi cult periods. “We were subjected to arrests and repression during diffi cult times, yet our names have been removed through conspiracy,” said Barisal district leader Redwan Khan Rakib.
Former Noakhali district Senior Vice-President Anwar Hossain Roki claimed active organizers had been excluded while “married and non-students” received top positions. However, newly appointed leaders rejected the allegations as politically motivated. Newly formed Noakhali district president NBS Russell said both he and the general secretary were active master’s students and had been selected based on organizational cre- dentials. Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Ud- din Nasir defended the restructuring process, saying committees were formed after verifi - cation and according to organizational needs and ground realities. “Our goal is to make the organization more dynamic and stronger,” he said, urging leaders and activists to remain united despite internal dissatisfaction.
