Chhatra Jamiat demands ban on ‘secret politics’ amid campus unrest

Chhatra Jamiat Bangladesh has called for a permanent ban on ‘secret politics’, alleging that covert organisational activities are fuelling unrest and threatening the safety of students across educational institutions, including Dhaka University.

The demand came at an emergency press conference held at Madhur Canteen on the Dhaka University campus at 4:00pm on Sunday, where the organisation’s president Ridwan Mazhari presented a written statement.

In the statement, Mazhari expressed deep concern over recent clashes between Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir in different institutions, warning that such incidents could revive long-standing fear and uncertainty among ordinary students.

He said the campus must not become a space for violent displays of power, rejecting muscle-based politics as a ‘dirty competition’. He also noted that the unity shown by students and the public during the 2024 mass uprising, which played a key role in the anti-fascist movement, now appears fragmented by ongoing conflicts.

The organisation alleged that some groups continue to operate through secret activities, which it described as incompatible with transparent and accountable politics. 

It argued that in a fascism-free Bangladesh, ‘secret politics’ reflects undemocratic intentions or hidden agendas that can trigger sudden tensions and endanger students’ lives.

Chhatra Jamiat termed such practices a ‘political crime’ and demanded that all political activities be conducted openly. While criticising calls to ban student politics altogether, the organisation clarified that it supports democratic student engagement but opposes what it described as extremist and violent political practices.

The statement emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among legitimate student organisations and called for campuses to function as centres of learning rather than spaces of intimidation. 

It also demanded an end to seat trading and so-called ‘big brother culture’, urging authorities to ensure accommodation based on official policies.

The organisation further called for the protection of freedom of expression, stressing that no student should face pressure due to political or religious beliefs. It also proposed forming awareness groups to safeguard the interests of general students.

Among its key demands, Chhatra Jamiat called for accountability for all parties involved in campus violence, a neutral role from university authorities, a permanent ban on secret and cadre-based politics, and full transparency in political activities. 

It also urged the abolition of guest room and common room systems in residential halls and called for effective measures to establish a conflict-free academic environment.

The press conference was attended by vice president Nur Hossain, general secretary Saad bin Zakir, joint general secretary Mainul Islam, associate general secretary Bayzid Ahmad, organising secretary Inamul Hasan Naim, publicity secretary Ahmad Al Ghazi, Dhaka University unit convener Mahmudul Hasan Taqi, Narayanganj district convener Abul Hasanat Mehrab, Dhaka Metropolitan East vice president Kamrul Islam, and Pirojpur district conveners Ahmad, Minhajul Islam and Nahid Azadi, among others.