Chhatra League like-minded welcome HC verdict allowing student politics at BUET; anti-student politics camp holds firm

After the High Court lifted a ban on student politics at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), a group of students who align with the ideologies of the Chhatra League, welcoming the verdict, paid tributes to the portrait of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on campus, while students opposed to student politics maintained their stance.

During the tribute, the Chhatra League-aligned students also chanted "Joy Bangla" for a while.

Of the students who paid tributes welcoming the verdict, one is Hasin Azfar, the information technology affairs secretary of Chhatra League and a former student of BUET and 10 others are known to be supporters of Chhatra League. Abu Saeed Kanak, vice-president of the central Chhatra League and former general secretary of the BUET chapter of the Chhatra League, was also present nearby during the tribute.

Ashiq Alam, a student from the 20th batch of BUET, stated after paying tributes to Bangabandhu's portrait, "Through the High Court's judgment, we have regained our constitutional right to express our political opinions. We applauded this verdict with the 'Joy Bangla' slogan and flowers on Bangabandhu's portrait. We welcome all progressive organizations to BUET."

He expressed his hope for exemplary student politics on campus, saying, "May the student politics of BUET set an example for the entire country. We want all progressive organizations to commence student politics at BUET and advocate for students' rights. If the environment permits and student council elections are held, we will definitely be happy."

Following this, BUET students who are opposed to student politics on the campus urged the Vice-Chancellor, during a press conference, to realize the wish of every BUET teacher and student for a politics-free campus through all legal means.

Previously, BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Satya Prasad Majumder acknowledged the court’s mandate, stating, "We have to accept what the court says."

After the High Court's decision, BUET students who are opposed to student politics on the campus reiterated in a press conference their full respect and trust in the country's judicial system, emphasising their unified demand for a campus free of student politics.

They argued that the previous environment without student politics was safer and could also deter fundamentalist forces. Alumni from across the country and abroad have also strongly supported keeping the campus free from student politics.

"We, the current students, have full trust and confidence in our university's teachers. Today, through this press briefing, we request all BUET teachers to support us in this crisis. We have confidence in our honourable Vice-Chancellor Sir. We believe that his goodwill has always been with us," they added.

shakibtahmid05@gmail