JnU Correspondent

Students at Jagannath University (JnU) gathered today to mark the fifth anniversary of Abrar Fahad’s death, using the occasion to demand a complete ban on Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) politics on campus. The memorial, held in the university’s Shanto Chattar, saw students denouncing BCL as a violent and treasonous group.

The event, organized under the banner of "General Students," featured heartfelt tributes to Abrar Fahad, who was brutally killed in 2019, and impassioned calls for an end to the climate of fear and suppression that students say BCL has fostered on university campuses.

Masud, a student of the Physics Department, stressed the symbolic importance of Abrar’s death. "Abrar Fahad is a symbol of resistance. He sacrificed his life for the sovereignty and integrity of our nation, yet he was murdered for speaking out. It’s shocking that in this day and age, a student can be beaten to death for holding an opinion. We must stop the gangster politics of BCL, not just at JnU, but across all universities in Bangladesh."

"Since Abrar’s tragic death, students have been silenced by the oppressive tactics of BCL. His death was not just a loss for his family, but for all of us who believe in the right to free speech," said Riazul Islam, a Law Department student. "We demand justice not only for Abrar but for every student whose voice has been stifled. Those responsible for his death must face consequences."

Political Science student Ibrahim Ali described the campus as a battleground where dissenting voices are met with intimidation. "BCL has created a climate of fear. They accuse anyone who speaks out of being associated with 'Shibir,' a baseless tag used to silence opposition. Innocent students have been jailed and even expelled from the university on these false charges. It’s time for this tyranny to end."

Abrar Hamim, from the Islamic Studies Department, recalled the harassment he and other students faced from BCL. "Everyday life on campus was dominated by fear. Students were constantly targeted, often for something as simple as a Facebook post. I myself was falsely accused of being a 'Shibir' member, and this led to harassment by the DB (Detective Branch), all with the backing of the university administration. The injustice didn’t stop there — students like Nur Nabi were even handed over to the DB. We need justice for these wrongs," he urged.

Bengali Department student Imran Hasan Imon shared his own experience of brutality, recounting how BCL supporters assaulted him for speaking out. "They cornered me on a bus, beat me, and stole my phone and wallet just for criticizing their actions. This is what happens when students try to stand up for what’s right."

The memorial event was organized by Tausif Mahmud Sohan from the 12th batch, with Rakib Hasan as the event's moderator. Additional speeches were delivered by Chhatra Dal representatives Mahid Khan, Nahiyan Bin Anik, Mehedi Hasan Himel, and Ivan Tahsib.