Chhatra League says will engage in orderly politics at BUET

Bangladesh Chhatra League has declared the reintroduction of "regular" student politics at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), unveiling a comprehensive four-point program aimed at reinstating systematic political activities on campus.

The announcement was made during an emergency press conference held at Dhaka University's Madhur Canteen on Tuesday afternoon.

The key points of their program include:

1. Holding a sit-in at Buet’s Shahid Minar to demand the reinstatement of Buet student Imtiaz Hossain Rahim Rabbi's residential hall.
2. Initiating consultations and discussions with Buet students to develop a modern, smart, and policy-based approach to student politics.
3. Organizing seminars and cultural events to eradicate communal, radical, and militant influences from Buet.
4. Advocating for student parliament elections through negotiations with the administration.

Saddam Hussain, president of the student organization, delivered a statement during the press conference, mentioning: "In light of recent events at Buet, particularly the tragic death of student Abrar Fahad on October 7, 2019, Bangladesh Chhatra League has demonstrated its utmost responsibility from both a moral and organizational standpoint."

He continued, emphasizing the organization's stance against the decision to ban student politics at Buet, asserting that neither the constitution of Bangladesh nor the Buet Act justifies such a prohibition.

Saddam highlighted the adverse effects of the ban, including the resurgence of religious extremism and the erosion of students' constitutional rights.

Regarding the cancellation of Imtiaz Hossain Rahim Rabbi's residential hall seat on March 29, Saddam condemned the move as autocratic, stating that it triggered protests from both students and democracy advocates.

He further noted the High Court's nullification of the ban on student politics, signalling the green light for its resumption.

He emphasized that Buet would draw inspiration from the models of student politics practiced in developed nations and the world's premier universities to shape its own approach.

Highlighting that the responsibilities of Bangladesh Chhatra League extend beyond reinstating student politics at Buet, he underscored the organization's commitment to presenting Buet as a model platform for advanced, intelligent student politics in alignment with Sheikh Hasina's vision for Bangladesh's future.

Addressing queries about potential repercussions for those protesting against student politics, he affirmed their right to dissent, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives. However, he clarified that the Chhatra League would oppose any attempts to exploit the sentiments of ordinary students for illicit political gains.