Chatra Dal Shifts 3 August Rally to Shahbagh After NCP’s Repeated Requests
The Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal (Chatra Dal) has changed the venue of its 3 August student rally, part of a month-long program commemorating the July uprising, from the Central Shahid Minar to Shahbagh following repeated requests from the National Citizen Party (NCP). Chatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib announced the decision at a press conference on Wednesday, 30 July, stating that the move was made in response to NCP’s persistent appeals.
Both Chatra Dal and NCP initially planned rallies at the Central Shahid Minar on 3 August to mark the July uprising. Chatra Dal applied for permission on 22 June and received approval from Dhaka University’s Proctor’s Office on 26 June, securing the venue. NCP, which also sought to hold a rally at the same location and time, has not yet received final approval. Following NCP’s repeated requests through media reports and direct communication with Chatra Dal’s leadership, including senior members, Chatra Dal decided to relocate its rally to Shahbagh.
In the press conference, Chatra Dal detailed the timeline of their program, noting that the 3 August rally was a key event in their pre-announced month-long activities. They submitted a written application to the Dhaka University Proctor on 22 June, and on 26 June, the Proctor’s Office granted permission for the Shahid Minar rally. However, days after their announcement, Chatra Dal learned through media that NCP planned a rally at the same venue and time. NCP leaders then personally contacted Chatra Dal, repeatedly requesting a venue change, and also approached their senior leadership.
Rakibul Islam Rakib stated, “As part of our pre-announced continuous programs, one significant event was the student rally at the Central Shahid Minar on 3 August. We applied in writing to the Dhaka University Proctor on 22 June, and on 26 June, the Proctor’s Office granted us permission for the student rally at Shahid Minar on that date. However, a few days after our announcement, we first learned through the media that the National Citizen Party also planned a rally at the same place on the same day. Subsequently, NCP leaders personally contacted us repeatedly regarding this matter and requested a change of venue. They also communicated with our senior leadership.”
He further explained the difficulty of the decision: “Changing the venue of a program after completing all preparations is very embarrassing and challenging. One major reason for choosing Shahid Minar was to ensure our program on a working day did not cause public inconvenience. Moreover, since we announced the program first and obtained due approval from the authorities, we were the sole legitimate claimants to hold the rally at that venue. Nevertheless, as a liberal, democratic, coexistence-believing, tolerant, and respectful organization toward all opinions and paths, we have decided to change the venue of our student rally in consideration of the National Citizen Party’s request. Our 3 August rally will now be held at Shahbagh instead of Shahid Minar. Due to this venue change, driven purely by a liberal political stance, if any inconvenience arises on the busy roads of the capital, we express our advance regret to the city dwellers for this unintended issue. We hope they will consider the significance of this day and our magnanimity in changing the venue.”
Rakib emphasized the organization’s commitment to peace and tolerance, stating,
“We could have held the rally at the announced venue. But instead of thorns, we offered flowers. In place of provocation, we gave a message of peace and coexistence. We believe we have set an exemplary precedent of magnanimity instead of spreading unnecessary tension. We believe this event will remain a unique example of peace, harmony, magnanimity, and goodwill in the history of Bangladesh’s student politics. Those who, after the successful uprising, seek to claim sole ownership of the uprising, we hope they will regain their senses after this magnanimity and conduct their political activities in a correct and healthy manner. They will show minimal respect for all other opinions and paths and abandon the path of recklessness in all matters.”
The venue change reflects Chatra Dal’s effort to foster harmony and avoid conflict, setting a precedent for cooperative student politics while commemorating the July uprising’s legacy.
