Summary:
- Dhaka University students protested late at night, demanding the arrest of Meghmallar Bosu for allegedly promoting “red terror” through a Facebook post.
- Protesters issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Bosu’s arrest, defaced a Siraj Sikder mural, and chanted slogans against leftist extremism.
- Student leaders accused leftist groups of destabilizing the country and attempting to regain influence through violent means.
- The protest reflects rising tensions on campus as rival student groups clash over political ideologies and activism.
Dhaka, January 18, 2025—A group of Dhaka University students staged a late-night protest demanding the arrest of Meghmallar Bosu, the president of the Chhatra Union’s Dhaka University unit, accusing him of promoting “red terror.” The demonstration began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, with over 100 students marching from the university’s residential halls to key locations on campus before concluding at the Raju Memorial Sculpture.
The protesters alleged that Meghmallar Bosu had publicly declared support for “red terror” in a Facebook post, which they characterized as a direct threat to campus and national security. During the rally, they issued a 24-hour ultimatum for his arrest and chanted slogans such as “We will not tolerate red terror on this campus” and “Break the backbone of red terrorism.”
Following the rally, demonstrators defaced a graffiti mural of Siraj Sikder, a historical figure associated with leftist movements in Bangladesh, near the university’s central library. They threw shoes at the mural and erased it while continuing to chant slogans condemning what they described as leftist extremism.
Musaddeq Ali Ibn Muhammad, a student from the Department of Bangla, addressed the gathering and accused leftist groups of historically destabilizing Bangladesh. “Whenever instability arises in this country, you will find these so-called red terrorists behind it,” he said. He further claimed that the Chhatra Union was attempting to reestablish its influence through violent means despite losing popular support among students.
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments. Azizul Haque, a student from Surya Sen Hall, accused leftist groups of acting as proxies for political interests over the past 16 years. “These leftists have been working as an extension of the ruling party’s agenda. We will not allow them to rise again,” he declared.
Mahin Sarkar, coordinator of an anti-discrimination student movement, criticized recent actions by Chhatra Union members, including alleged disrespect toward university authorities and opposition to campus security measures. He stated that their activities were part of a broader attempt to revive “red terror” on campus.
The protest follows heightened tensions at Dhaka University after recent clashes between student groups and controversies surrounding political activism. Meghmallar Bosu has been a prominent figure in student politics and activism but has faced criticism from rival groups. In December 2023, he was reportedly attacked by members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) during disputes over political displays on campus.
The protesters concluded their rally by reiterating their demand for immediate action against Bosu and his associates. “This campus will not harbor terrorists,” one student declared emphatically.
University authorities have yet to comment on the allegations or demands made by the protesting students. Meanwhile, supporters of Meghmallar Bosu have dismissed the accusations as politically motivated attempts to suppress dissenting voices on campus.
As tensions escalate, observers are closely monitoring whether law enforcement or university officials will intervene to address the situation within the 24-hour deadline set by the protesters.
Source: Dhaka Post
