DU Correspondent :
SM Farhad, General Secretary of the Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, has refuted allegations of involvement in tendon-cutting crimes, claiming there is no evidence linking Shibir to such acts.
Instead, he pointed the finger at the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), asserting that a quick search on Google would reveal instances of BCL’s involvement in such crimes.
Farhad made these statements during a press conference held at the TSC Cafeteria of Dhaka University on Thursday.
He further accused the Awami League (AL) government of targeting Shibir after coming to power in the 2008 elections, seeing them as an obstacle to establishing what he described as “fascism.”
“After the AL government came to power, they first eliminated army officials, whom they viewed as a major threat.
Then, they considered Chhatra Shibir to be their strongest obstacle,” Farhad claimed.
The Shibir General Secretary also alleged that the AL government has created a climate of fear and misinformation surrounding Shibir.
“This misconception is beginning to crumble as people, especially students, observe us more closely. After five years of interaction, students are responding positively to our presence,” Farhad said.
When asked by journalists about Shibir’s secretive approach to politics in recent years, Farhad responded, “Until 2009, Chhatra Shibir conducted politics openly. Even when we could, we remained active in public.
However, the government’s persecution has been relentless, with our central president being remanded for 56 days, and multiple branch presidents and general secretaries either going missing, being killed in crossfire, or remanded on false charges.”
He questioned the logic of expecting open political activities in such an oppressive environment: “Is it logical to expect open politics when your leaders are being killed or imprisoned? Or is it more reasonable to ask for justice for the murder of your fellow activists?”
Regarding the mass uprising and the involvement of nine key points in the movement, Farhad emphasized that it was a collective effort involving many different groups.
“Leaders and activists from various backgrounds, regardless of party affiliation, contributed to the movement.
Chhatra Shibir played its part as well, providing resources and support.
The spirit of the anti-discrimination student movement does not align with the idea of taking credit for its success,” he concluded.
