Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) Dhaka University (DU) unit demanded the trial of banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) members and Awami League allied teachers-officers for alleged student torture during Awami League regime, especially in July uprising, 2024, accusing them of campus violence and political repression.
On Wednesday, in a formal letter addressed to Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, JCD leaders detailed accusations of systemic oppression carried out by BCL during what they termed "fascist rule" under Sheikh Hasina's government, which ended following mass uprising last year.
DU JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon jointly signed the appeal, which claimed opposition students suffered "irreparable physical, mental and academic harm" during the previous administration's tenure.
The student organisation alleged that BCL members established coercive practices in university halls, including forced "gonoroom" and "guestroom" subcultures that compelled ordinary students into political activities against their will.
"The sacred grounds of Dhaka University have been repeatedly soaked with blood," the letter stated, noting that numerous victims have filed police complaints and court cases both before and after August 5's government transition.
Despite the change in national leadership following last year's uprising, DU JCD representatives expressed disappointment at what they describe as minimal action from authorities, claiming former BCL members continue operating on campus "disguised as ordinary students" with support from sympathetic faculty.
The letter specifically references a recent incident at Faculty of Fine Arts, where alleged BCL supporters reportedly set fire to a motif prepared for the Bengali New Year celebrations.
According to DU JCD leaders, harassment against their members has intensified in recent months, with some incidents resulting in serious injuries. The organisation claimed previous appeals to university administration have yielded "no sincere effort" in addressing these concerns.
DU JCD's formal request called for the Vice Chancellor to exercise "responsible leadership" in ensuring accountability for those involved in student repression, stressing that ending "this culture of impunity" remains crucial for campus safety and institutional integrity.
NRE/NSA
