Shibir stages mass gathering protesting alleged JCD attacks on campuses

The programme began around 9:00am at the Central Shaheed Minar before participants marched to the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus.

Former leaders and activists of the student organisation also joined the gathering.

Addressing the rally, Shafiqul Islam Masud, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MP from Patuakhali-2, criticised the BNP and its student wing, saying it was unfortunate that on a day meant to commemorate the country's "victory," they had to protest against JCD.

He urged the BNP leadership to “rein in JCD”, alleging that the student organisation's activities could harm the party's political future.

Md Nurul Islam Bulbul, MP from Chapainawabganj-3, alleged that the BNP and JCD are following the same path as the Awami League and its student wing, banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.

He claimed Shibir is capable of resisting any violence by JCD with the support of the student community.

Jamaat MP from Sirajganj-4 Rafiqul Islam Khan also accused JCD of creating unrest on campuses and warned against what he described as "terror activities" in educational institutions.

Shibir President Nurul Islam Saddam alleged that the BNP has been the biggest political beneficiary of the July mass uprising but that justice for those killed during the movement remains elusive.

Claiming that progress in the trials has been slow, he alleged that only a handful of cases have advanced in the past two years, reports UNB.

Saddam also accused JCD of attempting to establish dominance in university halls and revive the "gonoroom" and "guestroom" culture on campuses.

He warned that if alleged violence by JCD continued, Shibir will resist it.