Dhaka: Jatiya Chhatra Shakti staged a protest rally and held a brief gathering at Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday night, condemning the alleged attack on the convoy of leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Habiganj, the imposition of Section 144 during the party’s centrally announced programme, and what it described as police obstruction.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the organisation demanded the arrest of those responsible for the attack, protection of freedom of expression, and an end to restrictions on political programmes. The protest procession began from the Raju Memorial Sculpture around 9pm. It marched through the VC Chattar before returning to the Raju Memorial Sculpture, where it concluded with a brief rally. Central leaders of Chhatra Shakti as well as leaders of its DU unit attended the programme.

Addressing the rally, Tahmid Al Muddassir Chowdhury, president of the DU unit of Chhatra Shakti, alleged that the current government is following the path of the previous regime by suppressing dissent. He stated that there are indications of Tarique Rahman developing tendencies similar to Sheikh Hasina. Chowdhury remarked that just as Hasina’s government used sand-laden trucks to suppress dissent, attempts were made to block the NCP protest march in the same manner.

Chhatra Shakti Central Council General Secretary Abu Bakar Majumdar alleged that the BNP is moving towards establishing a “one-party” system following the national election. He mentioned that the plans before the election have become evident over the past five months, specifically targeting people’s freedom of speech and public meetings.

Majumdar criticised the activities of the home minister and the education minister, alleging that the government is using the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal to create violence on university campuses. He further warned that public dissatisfaction with the government will intensify if it continues to suppress freedom of expression through repression and attacks.

At the end of the protest, the speakers demanded the immediate arrest and trial of those allegedly involved in the attack on NCP leaders and activists in Habiganj.