As Bangladesh stands on the brink of a new political landscape after fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, calls to reform traditional politics gained momentum.
On campuses across the country, students are demanding a political environment free from what they term 'political tailism'.
Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of Awami League, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), student wing of BNP, faced allegations of merely implementing agendas of their parent organisations.
Many students perceive both the student organisations as two sides of the same coin, as they operate as extensions of the parent parties rather than as independent student organisations.
This perception has intensified pressure on JCD leaders to demonstrate that their activities serve the interests of students rather than merely advancing BNP's agenda.
Yet, JCD leaders seem to accept BNP's involvement in their internal matters, citing aligned objectives as the rationale.
With the fall of the Awami League government, the BCL has seemingly vacated the student political arena, presenting an opportunity for the JCD to reclaim its space.
However, the extent of BNP's interference in JCD affairs raises critical questions about the student organisation's ability to operate independently and maintain its identity.
Talking to the Daily Observer, JCD central leaders expressed confidence in their efforts to redefine student politics. They claimed to have developed a new model aimed at engaging the broader student audience.
However, incidents such as BNP Joint-General Secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi withholding organisational positions from JCD assistant general secretaries Meskat Hossain Tonoy and Sajib Bishwas for alleged disciplinary issues have fueled frustrations among students.
Rizvi has previously reversed suspensions of JCD leaders, leading to speculation that the JCD is losing its autonomy.
He formed two last Dhaka University (DU) unit committees of the JCD.
Incumbent JCD President Md Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir were seen distributing relief to flood-affected communities on behalf of Tarique Rahman, BNP's Acting Chairman, raising questions about their independence.
Their trips to various districts to engage with students often include references to instructions received from Tarique Rahman, prompting concerns that the JCD is failing to assert its independent leadership.
Former DU Debating Society (DUDS) President Mahbub Masum said, "While the JCD played a significant role during the July Uprising, it has somewhat lost its appeal among common students. They talk about reform, but have yet to present substantial plans. We see internal decisions being made by BNP, undermining JCD's autonomy."
Tanvir Baree Hamim, Publicity Affairs Secretary of the JCD's DU Kabi Jasimuddin Hall unit contended that a shared vision with the BNP does not inherently signify political tailism.
"Incumbent JCD leaders aspire to become future BNP leaders. As a result, a certain level of connection between JCD and BNP will always exist. If Bangladesh's democratic culture continues uninterrupted for many years, student organisations like JCD may eventually be able to elect their leaders democratically. This should be achieved through a bottom-up approach," explained Habibur Rahman, a former Law student at Dhaka University.
Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Co-coordinator Musaddiq Ali said, "Under the existing circumstances, the JCD must stop political tailism. Failure to do so will diminish its appeal among students. The perception that committees are formed by BNP leaders does not convey good message and undermines the dignity of the JCD."
Talking to this correspondent, JCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir defended the relationship with the BNP, saying, "Tarique Rahman is our organisational guardian. We have given him full authority to make decisions regarding the JCD."
Nasir clarified that while BNP may oversee major decisions, the JCD retains the power to manage its own affairs at the unit level.
In response to whether BNP's involvement compromises the JCD's uniqueness, Nasir disagreed, saying that the parallel objectives of the BNP and the JCD do not constitute deviation.
"We make decisions independently on most matters, it is only in central committee issues that we follow BNP's directives," he said.
As the JCD navigates these complex dynamics, the question remains if it can break free from the shadows of political tailism.
