Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at Dhaka University on Wednesday wrote slogans and graffiti on campus walls in response to a confrontation between JCD and Islami Chhatra Shibir at Chittagong City College the previous day, which stemmed from a dispute over graffiti.
The clash at Chittagong City College broke out after JCD members allegedly removed the word “Chhatra” from an existing graffiti and replaced it with the word “covert,” triggering tensions between the two groups that left a number of people injured.
In response, JCD activists at Dhaka University carried out wall writing and graffiti programs, describing such activity as a longstanding form of student expression on university campuses.
Slogans and graffiti were seen on the walls of several dormitories and university buildings, including areas near Madhur Canteen, the Faculty of Arts building, and the premises of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu).
Mallik Wasi Tami, office secretary of the DU unit JCD, said the initiative was not formally organized by the central leadership but was being carried out independently by activists across various educational institutions, including Dhaka University.
The campaign drew wider attention after social media posts from Surja Sen Hall began circulating. Abidur Rahman, member secretary of the hall unit JCD, said the attack by Shibir on JCD activists during what he described as a peaceful graffiti program against covert politics at Chittagong City College was a direct assault on democratic practice.
“Resorting to violence to suppress freedom of expression reflects their weakness. The protest wall-writing program of Surja Sen Hall JCD is a form of resistance against such violence. We will continue to take a stand against all forms of terrorism,” he said.
Nasir Uddin Shawon, senior joint secretary of the DU unit JCD, said JCD activists at Dhaka University carried out wall-writing programs at Madhur Canteen, the Arts Building, Ducsu, and several other locations. Units at Surja Sen Hall and Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall also held similar programs.
“This shows that pro-Bangladesh Chhatra Dal will always remain vocal against covert politics,” he added.
