Chhatra League holds awareness campaign against ragging, sexual harassment

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, organised an awareness campaign against ragging and sexual harassment on Sunday at Dhaka University campus.

Leaders and activists of the organisation, led by its President Saddam Hussain, bought out a procession from Madhu’s Canteen area and then held their awareness campaign at the base of anti-terrorist Raju Memorial Sculpture on Dhaka University (DU) campus, according to BSS.

While addressing, BCL president Saddam said, "It is not the goal of Bangladesh Chhatra League to engage in extortion, immoral and criminal activities or to use student politics as a tool to earn money. Chhatra League's goal is to play a leading role in academic, political, business, cultural and ICT sectors, he added.

Saddam said, "BCL leaders and activists should remember that our goal is not to be big brothers but to be smart citizens. It is not BCL's aim to do cheat politics, our aim is to be prepared for artificial intelligence and for the fourth industrial revolution as well as to enlighten the nation," he added.

Appreciating the bravery and indomitable spirit of Phulpari Khatun, who protested against the torture of BCL leaders in Islamic University, Kushtia, Saddam said, "Phulpari is the true successor of Begum Rokeya and Sufia Kamal. Phulpari is the name of resistance, the symbol of justice, Chhatra League is in favour of Phulpari".

Saddam Hossain also said, "BCL wants to make a clear announcement that ragging is a criminal offence. On the one hand, it is an offence against university discipline, on the other, it is a punishable offence. We want to convey this message to the students of Bangladesh."

"I think everyone is responsible for these incidents. Student politics is responsible. Student organisations have a responsibility. University administration, college administration, hall administration and hostel administration are all responsible," he added.

Saddam said all student organisations including Chhatra League, and educational institutions should adopt a zero-tolerance policy against ragging incidents. He also demanded action against the accused in these incidents according to university rules and regulation.

BCL DU unit President Mazharul Kabir Shayon and General Secretary Tanbir Hasan Shaikat were present in the programme along with leaders and activists of different units of the organisation.

Besides, BCL central leaders asked the universities and medical colleges to hold the campaign programme on February 27 and 28 while colleges, Madrashah, polytechnic institutions and other institution were asked to hold the programme on March 1-3.