Chhatra Dal demands immediate trial of AL, allies

Dhaka, 18 Jan — Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir has demanded the immediate trial of the Awami League members and their collaborators who attacked students during the July-August movement.

The accused must be identified and arrested, he said at a programme titled “March for Justice” on Saturday which called for proper justice and punishment for all terrorist activities carried out by the student wing of the ruling party, Chhatra League, in educational institutions during Sheikh Hasina's rule.

The programme was held at the Central Shaheed Minar where Chhatra Dal leaders and activists from various destinations started gathering around 2pm.

Nasir Uddin Nasir expressed concern over the easing of punishment for the accused. "Those killer organisations that have destroyed democracy for the last 15 and a half years have been banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act. But the interim government has failed to arrest any top terrorist of Chhatra League."

"We demand the immediate trial of the alleged Awami League members and their collaborators who attacked students during the July-August movement. The accused must be identified and arrested," he added.

During the programme, speakers mentioned that several investigation committees have been formed at different campuses, including Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, to identify the attackers during the July-August uprising. However, despite five and a half months passing, the authorities have not received any reports, as the investigations are proceeding sluggishly.

Chhatra Dal Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib said Chhatra Dal is not issuing ultimatums; instead, they are demanding the resumption of the trial process. "The longer the delay, the easier their rehabilitation process will be. If delayed too long, the accused will evade punishment.”

He also warned that if history is written ignoring the sacrifice and struggle of Chhatra Dal over the last 15 years, it will be discarded. The administration is unwilling to bring Chhatra League leaders and activists to justice.

He criticised the university administrations across Bangladesh, including Dhaka University, for showing no intention to hold BCL leaders and activists accountable.

Chhatra Dal Senior Vice President Abu Afsan Mohammad Yahya, Central Joint General Secretary Amanullah Aman, Dhaka University Branch President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahis, among others, spoke at the programme.