Midnight protest erupts at Jahangirnagar University against Shibir's open presence

A midnight protest march unfolded at Jahangirnagar University in response to the public appearance of three Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders. Organized by a group of progressive students, the march began around 1:30 a.m. at the university's Bat Tala area, passing through several campus streets and concluding at the Shaheed Minar with a brief gathering.

The gathering was led by Nur-e Tamim, an anthropology student. Faiza Mehzabin from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning stated, “Jamaat-Shibir, a collaborator in the 1971 genocide, cannot deny its role. Just as the Sheikh Hasina-led government is tainted by the 24th Uprising, Jamaat-Shibir is similarly marked by its involvement in 1971. In the 1980s, Shibir was notorious for violence, attempting to silence liberal students. Now, they are audaciously trying to return.” Socialist Students' Front organizer Sohagi Samia argued that Shibir has no place in independent Bangladesh's politics, saying, “We need to be clear: those who stood against the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War belong to organizations, not individuals. Here in 2024, anyone upholding that organization's ideals, which opposed Bangladesh’s independence, has no right to pursue politics. Our constitution endorses secularism, and no student organization should engage in religion-based politics within a secular state.”

Amarta Roy, president of a faction of the Bangladesh Students’ Union university council, added, “I have never seen Shibir raise its voice against rising prices or worker killings. They only focus on fostering division, much like the Awami League. If an organization stained by blood seeks political engagement, it must first go through a process of justice, socially or legally. They should seek forgiveness from the 14,000 students here before participating in campus activities.”

At approximately 11:30 p.m. last night, for the first time in nearly 35 years, three Shibir leaders made a public appearance on Jahangirnagar University’s campus, expressing a commitment to fostering a fair environment for political participation. In a statement signed by Abdullah Al Mamun Sakir, the publicity secretary of Chhatra Shibir’s university branch, comments from President Harunur Rashid Rafi and General Secretary Mohibur Rahman Muhib were included.