‘Take Bribes If Needed, But Issue a New Committee’: Deprived Chhatra Dal Leaders Protest

Protests erupted in Rangamati as a faction of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders demanded the dissolution of the newly announced district committee. Alleging that positions were "sold" in exchange for money and gadgets, disgruntled activists marched through the streets yesterday, Saturday (May 2), chanting the defiant slogan, “Chanda lagle chanda ne, notun kore committee de” (Take bribes if you must, but issue a new committee).

The unrest intensified today, Sunday (May 3), as protesters held a rally starting from the Pourashava premises. The march paraded through key city roads before staging a sit-in in front of the BNP office in Kathaltoli, where demonstrators set tires on fire to register their grievances.

The protesting leaders claimed the new 23-member partial committee is comprised of married individuals, non-students, and people residing outside the city. They alleged that dedicated, regular students were sidelined in favor of those who could provide financial incentives.

Noor Talukdar Munna, a Vice President of the newly formed committee who joined the protest, stated that the newly appointed General Secretary is an outsider who does not recognize local activists. Parvez Hossain Suman, another leader, alleged, "We have learned that this committee was formed in exchange for money and iPhones. We demand an immediate cancellation. To strengthen Chhatra Dal, the committee must consist of regular students."

Responding to the allegations, the newly appointed President, Md. Oli Ahad, told the media that while everyone has made sacrifices for the organization, it is impossible to satisfy every individual. "Chhatra Dal is a large organization. It is natural for those who didn’t get their desired posts to feel frustrated," he said, urging everyone to maintain discipline and keep faith in the central leadership.

The partial committee was approved late Saturday night under the signatures of JCD Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. The leadership includes Md. Oli Ahad as President, Naimul Islam Roni as General Secretary, and Galib Hasan as Organizing Secretary.