Despite organizing regular programs across various university campuses since last year’s political shift, Chhatra Dal has so far failed to establish a strong foothold in these institutions.
Most public university campuses and residential halls remain under the influence of Shibir activists or student leaders associated with previous protest movements. As a result, Chhatra Dal’s visible presence in campus politics has been limited. However, the organization now seeks to change this reality.
Chhatra Dal plans to revamp its presence on campuses through organizational restructuring and leadership realignment. Its leaders believe that earning the trust and support of students is essential to solidifying their position in campus politics.
According to sources within Chhatra Dal, the organization fears that without full-fledged campus engagement in the current political climate, its relevance and influence may diminish in the future. As part of its broader political strategy for the upcoming national elections, the student wing of the BNP is prioritizing efforts to rebuild its base on campuses.
The organization maintains that it does not want to pursue any conflict on campuses.
Multiple central leaders of Chhatra Dal have expressed their intent to move away from the legacy of violent student politics that once tainted academic environments. They aspire to become genuine representatives of students and aim to assert their presence on campuses without engaging in clashes.
They believe that surviving in campus politics without student support is impossible.
Chhatra Dal’s central general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir told Dhaka Tribune: “Chhatra Dal has always been a student-friendly organization. We do not believe in the politics of occupation. Our mission is to spread our ideology among students and involve them in our programs.”
Sultan Ahmed Rahi, convener of Chhatra Dal’s Rajshahi University unit, said: “To uphold student rights, Chhatra Dal has undertaken various initiatives at Rajshahi University. On the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, we’re organizing a ‘Baishakhi Mela,’ which will include five special stalls for women. A concert is also planned. We hope this will serve as a platform for students.”
He added: “Those who engage in politics with helmet-wearing goons now present themselves as part of Shibir. They spread falsehoods using fake IDs. We refuse to take part in such dirty competitions. We want to practice real politics-one that earns students’ respect.”
Sources within the organization say that since the mass uprising, Chhatra Dal has responded to rival student organizations with restraint. Nevertheless, there have been persistent efforts to isolate the group from students and corner them on campuses.
In light of this, Chhatra Dal leaders believe a large-scale initiative is necessary to change the tide and reassert their presence. To that end, they have decided to hold a nationwide show of strength at all universities and educational institutions after Pahela Baishakh. Through this, they hope to both demonstrate their organizational capacity and boost their acceptance among general students.
As part of these preparations, Chhatra Dal recently organized a large student rally at Dhaka University focused on the issue of Palestine. This move not only highlighted their campus activism but also aimed to clarify their stance on international affairs.
When asked about upcoming initiatives, Nasir Uddin Nasir said: “Chhatra Dal maintains a strong presence on campuses. Every day, new students are joining us. We organize programs on both student-related issues and national and international matters. Our recent program in support of Palestine sparked a wave of consciousness among students.”
Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Dal Convener Zahir Uddin Mohammad Babor said: “Jahangirnagar University Chhatra Dal does not believe in the politics of showdowns. We have always stood by the general students in realizing their just and rightful demands. Going forward, after Pahela Baishakh, our main political focus will be centered around the Jaksu. We will engage with all relevant stakeholders regarding Jaksu and carry out our activities involving the students.”
