NN Online:
A new student organisation advocating against discrimination is set to emerge, likely from Madhur Canteen today (Monday, February 24).
The probable name of the organization is “Biplobi Chhatro Shakti” (Revolutionary Student Power). It will be led by former coordinators of the July uprising, all of whom were previously associated with the now-suspended “Gonotantrik Chhatro Shakti” (Democratic Student Power).
No leaders affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir are joining this organisation, but some students who had past associations with the group may be included.
According to the four key initiators of the organization, “Biplobi Chhatro Shakti” will include students who resigned from Chhatra League during the student–public movement and those who were previously compelled to participate in various Chhatra League activities under the ruling Awami League.
One of the initiators mentioned that during the Awami League’s rule, residential halls at Dhaka University were entirely controlled by Chhatra League, and securing dormitory seats depended on their leaders. Participation in their programs was mandatory for students living in the halls. Many students had to attend rallies and processions against their will. Those who were not involved in criminal activities in the past but were forced into such participation can join the new organization.
One notable example is Ashiqur Rahman Jim, a resident of Masterda Surya Sen Hall and a former executive committee member of the hall unit of Chhatra League. He was the first to resign from Chhatra League in support of the quota reform movement, inspiring many others to follow suit.
Over 200 student leaders resigned from various committees at Dhaka University during the movement. Many students who were never formally in leadership roles but were forced to participate in Chhatra League activities also distanced themselves during the quota reform protests.
The organizers of “Biplobi Chhatro Shakti” are seeking to include these students.
The top leaders of the new student organization have clarified that despite the formation of a nationwide student movement against discrimination and the upcoming launch of a new political party by the National Citizens’ Committee, “Biplobi Chhatro Shakti” will not be affiliated with either entity. However, both movements will continue to exist separately.
Discussions with several former coordinators indicate that Abu Bakar Mazumder will serve as the Central Convener. He is a student of Dhaka University’s 2019-20 academic session and was the former Member Secretary of Gonotantrik Chhatro Shakti’s Dhaka University chapter.
For the Central Member Secretary position, two prominent candidates are Jahid Ahsan and Tahmid Al Mudasir Chowdhury, both from the 2018-19 academic session. If one becomes the Member Secretary, the other will likely take on the role of Chief Organizer.
For the Spokesperson position, Ashrefa Khatun and Rafia Rehnuma Hridi are being considered. Both were previously involved with Gonotantrik Chhatro Shakti.
Among other key figures, former leaders Abu Bakar Mazumder, Abdul Kader, Hasib Al Islam, and Sanjana Afifa Aditi have played an instrumental role in establishing the new student organization.
At Dhaka University, Abdul Kader is set to become the Convener of the University Chapter. He was a former coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement and is a student of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (2018-19).
The Member Secretary position of the Dhaka University Chapter is being considered for Mahir Alam or Limon Mahmud Hasan, both former members of Chhatra League who later joined the quota reform movement.
For the Chief Organizer role at Dhaka University, Hasib Al Islam and Rifat Rashid (students from the 2020-21 session) are under consideration, while Rafia Rehnuma is a leading candidate for the Spokesperson role.
The central and Dhaka University committees of the organization will be announced simultaneously. The core principles of the new student body will be “Students First” and “Bangladesh First.”
