The abrupt procession by Chhatra League sparks outrage among leaders of Students Against Discrimination

Surprise Procession by Banned Chhatra League Sparks Outrage Among Student Leaders

A small group of leaders and activists from the banned organization Bangladesh Chhatra League staged an unexpected procession in Tangail on Saturday to mark the group’s 77th founding anniversary, prompting strong reactions from leaders and activists of Students Against Discrimination.

Led by Chhatra League’s Tangail city president, Mir Wasedul Haque, also known as Tanjil, 15 to 20 individuals organized the procession at Nirala Intersection around 7:00 am. They later placed a picture of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on a damaged portrait outside the Awami League office and paid tribute by laying wreaths. The portrait, damaged during the July-August movement, was temporarily repaired for the occasion. The group chanted slogans before leaving the area.

Witnesses identified several participants as leaders and activists of Chhatra League’s Tangail unit, including Mir Wasedul Haque. Many of them are facing legal charges for their alleged involvement in attacks against students during last year’s Students Against Discrimination movement in August. Following the government’s fall on August 5, some of these individuals went into hiding but reappeared for the procession.

Leaders of Students Against Discrimination voiced their anger over the procession. Student representative Abu Sher Shah Ahammed took to social media, writing:
"Members of the banned organization continue their activities in Tangail. Those who attacked students during our movement are now openly roaming the streets. What is the administration doing?"

Chhatra Federation’s Tangail district president, Fatema Rahman, shared images of the procession on Facebook, writing:
"This is today’s procession. Chhatra League’s Tangail town president Tanjil and his gang are freely roaming the town and enjoying themselves at parks. What is the Tangail administration actually doing?"

In response, Tangail Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge Tanvir Ahammed denied evidence of any tribute being placed at the Awami League office, suggesting that Chhatra League might be circulating old photos as propaganda.

Abu Sher Shah Ahammed criticized the administration, accusing them of evading their responsibilities. The incident has intensified concerns over the activities of banned groups and the effectiveness of local law enforcement in addressing such issues.