Chhatra Dal Leader Assaults Two Students for Protesting Against Wearing Shoes at Shaheed Minar

JU Correspondent

Two students, including a female, were assaulted by leaders of Chhatra Dal (the student wing of the BNP) at Jahangirnagar University (JU) for protesting against someone entering the central Shaheed Minar with shoes on. The injured students are Tamanna Tabassum and Akash Ali, both from the Chemistry Department (2020-21 academic year). Akash was initially given first aid and later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

The incident occurred around 6:00 PM on Wednesday, January 29, at the university’s Shaheed Minar premises.

It has been learned that Anik Kumar Das, a leader of the Chhatra Dal and a student of the Marketing Department (2021-22 academic year), led the attack. Anik is reportedly an associate of Kazi Ziauddin Baset, the vice-president of the central Chhatra Dal. Around 15-20 other students were involved in the incident, but their identities could not be confirmed.

According to eyewitnesses, a male and female student climbed the Shaheed Minar wearing shoes. When Akash Ali objected, an argument broke out. At one point, Mahi, a friend of the girl who climbed the Shaheed Minar, tried to push Akash, but Akash resisted. Mahi then called his friend Anik, who arrived within two minutes with a group of Chhatra Dal members and launched an attack on Akash. During the assault, Tamanna Tabassum, who was with Akash, was also attacked.

Injured student Akash said, “We were working on setting up a stage for a departmental program. When the power went out, we came down to have tea. That’s when I saw a female student and her companion climbing the Shaheed Minar with shoes on. When I protested, the girl said, ‘I can do as I wish.’ Her companion then attacked me. Later, he called his friend Anik, a Chhatra Dal leader, who arrived shortly with his associates and assaulted me.”

He added, “They attacked me multiple times in front of the Shaheed Minar and near the Mathematics Department. They punched me in the chest, kicked me in the stomach, and even hit me with a bamboo stick from the Shaheed Minar. My friend Tamanna and another friend, Basar, were also injured while trying to save me.”

Anik, the accused Chhatra Dal leader, claimed, “My friend Mahi called me, and I went to the Shaheed Minar. When I arrived, I saw Mahi and Akash arguing. I was unwell, so I stayed back, and the others went and beat Akash.”

Mehedi Hasan Himel, the convener of the JU Chhatra Dal, said, “I have heard that this is a matter between departmental students. I will look into whether any Chhatra Dal members were involved.”

University Proctor Professor Dr. Muhammad Tajammul Haque said, “I have been informed about the altercation at the Shaheed Minar in the evening. The Assistant Proctor, Ferdous Sir, was present at the scene immediately. The Chairman of the Chemistry Department has also informed me about the incident. Once we receive a written complaint, we will investigate and take necessary action.”

It is worth noting that Anik, the accused Chhatra Dal leader, was active in anti-government protests in July last year. He has also been accused of attempting to disrupt a human rights rally organized by the university’s Human Rights Society and threatening human rights activists.