Leaders of various progressive student organizations, including Chhatra Dal, boycotted a discussion meeting on the upcoming Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (Jucsu) election due to the presence of leaders from the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the council room of the university’s administrative building, leading to heated arguments between student groups.
How it started
According to student leaders present, the meeting was convened for the second time by Professor AKM Rashidul Alam, the university’s proctor, to discuss the Jucsu elections.
When attendees introduced themselves, five leaders of Chhatra Shibir also identified themselves, prompting an objection from a Chhatra Dal member.
This sparked tension among other groups.
In response, representatives from Chhatra Dal and other progressive student organizations protested.
Following the introduction phase, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: "The university administration seeks to hold the Jucsu election based on collective opinions. Since the Vice-Chancellor is absent, today's meeting is adjourned. The administration will decide on the next meeting later."
Afterwards, leaders from organizations like Chhatra Union, Socialist Students’ Front, Save Jahangirnagar Movement, Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance, and Chhatra Dal boycotted the meeting and staged protests, labelling Shibir a "terrorist organization."
They left the meeting room while chanting slogans.
Meanwhile, organizations like the Jahangirnagar Reform Movement and the July Massacre Justice Council criticized the progressive groups, accusing them of being "allies of Baksal and Mujibism" and organized counter-protests in support of Shibir.
During this, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor remarked: "The university cannot make decisions about political organizations. This is beyond our jurisdiction."
Statements from student leaders
Sharun Ehsan, President of the Jahangirnagar Cultural Alliance, said: "We boycotted the meeting because of Shibir's presence. Our alliance has always opposed religion-based politics and does not support Shibir's activities."
Sajib Ahmed Jench, an organizer of the Jahangirnagar branch of the Socialist Students’ Front (Marxist), said, "Shibir was banned in JU in 1989 due to its involvement in the murder of Kabir. It is a recognized terrorist organization, and we cannot sit for discussions with such groups. However, some groups labelled us as allies of Baksal and Mujibism. To them, I ask—where were you for the past 16 years? We have been protesting against the fascist government on the streets."
On the other hand, Shoaib Hasan, a member of the July Massacre Justice Council, accused progressive organizations, saying: "Some unauthorized student organizations tried to create chaos here, which forced us to boycott the meeting. Their actions are highly condemnable and have hindered fruitful discussions about Jucsu."
Responding to the situation, JU Shibir President Harunur Rashid said: "Our goal is to establish democratic political culture, free from authoritarianism. Denying the rights of any political organization in a fascist manner is a continuation of fascism. We expect the administration to overcome its failure to ensure coexistence among lawful student organizations."
He further said: "Every organization has the right to express its opinion and ensure legitimate representation in the student council to uphold democratic practices."
University administration’s stance
JU Proctor Professor AKM Rashidul Alam said, "The university administration is committed to holding the Jucsu election. We plan to resume discussions with students at the departmental and hall levels."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sohel Ahmed said: "Since the Vice-Chancellor was absent due to illness, Tuesday's meeting was postponed. We will announce a new date for further discussions soon."
