Tension at PSTU as Chhatra Dal blocks Shibir protest march

Tension spread across the campus of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) late Wednesday after the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) obstructed a protest march by Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.

The Shibir procession was organised to protest the killing of Rezual Karim, secretary of a Jamaat unit, who was killed in electoral violence in Sherpur earlier in the day.

At around 11:30pm on Wednesday, Islami Chhatra Shibir, led by its president Jannatin Naim Jibon, brought out a procession from the university residential halls and marched along the main campus roads.

During the march, slogans were raised criticising the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its student wing. When the procession reached Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall-02, JCD General Secretary Sohel Rana Jony stopped the march and questioned Shibir leaders over the slogans.

Jony asked whether it had been proven that the BNP was responsible for the killing. An argument broke out between the two sides. The discussion remained unresolved as Shibir president Jibon continued the march and later gathered activists at the Mukto Bangla area.

While Jibon was addressing the gathering, JCD President Zahidul Islam Ratul and General Secretary Jony arrived at the spot with their supporters, chanting slogans. A prolonged verbal confrontation followed, creating unrest at Mukto Bangla Square.

During the incident, JCD General Secretary Jony allegedly gestured at a campus journalist, asking him to stop video recording. He was also accused of speaking to the journalist in a demeaning manner and ordering him to leave the area.

Later, JCD leaders announced coexistence on campus and withdrew from the scene. They then held a brief procession and delivered speeches in front of the university’s west gate, criticising Shibir’s slogans and activities.

JCD President Zahidul Islam Ratul said his organisation would not tolerate what he described as offensive slogans against the BNP and Chhatra Dal. “We want peaceful and healthy political coexistence on campus and reject mob culture,” he said.

Shibir President Jannatin Naim Jibon said their activities were obstructed unlawfully. “As a citizen, I have the right to express my political views. Yesterday, our activists were verbally abused, and outsiders were brought onto campus, which violates political norms,” he said.

He further alleged that the killing in Sherpur was the result of BNP-backed violence and demanded justice, condemning any attempt to suppress dissent.

University authorities have banned all forms of political activities, including student politics, at PSTU. The ban was imposed through an office order signed by Registrar Professor Dr S M Hemayet Jahan on August 14, 2024.

Earlier on Wednesday, clashes broke out between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Jhenaigati, Sherpur, during a manifesto-release event. Rezual Karim, secretary of the Sribardi upazila Jamaat unit, was killed after being attacked with sharp weapons. Following the incident, the 41-member convening committee of Sherpur district BNP was suspended.