In response to requests for a politics-free campus, the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal plans to implement a new strategy for student politics on campus in an attempt to win back students’ trust.

The general student body of Dhaka University is now freely expressing its ideas after enduring the rule of the Bangladesh Chhatra League for years. They are advocating for “depoliticization” in order to prevent tyranny from happening again. Concurrently, other suppressed student organizations are starting to resurface.

In this context, Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Shahosh said they are looking to build personal connections with students.

“Chhatra League and Chhatra Dal are not two sides of the same coin. We are focusing on organic reach to increase our engagement, which means connecting with students in person and standing by their side,” he said.

Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon elaborated on how the organization plans to operate: “Our political activities will be based solely on knowledge. There will be an exchange of knowledge between students, enabling political activity that trains them to become informed citizens by acquiring various skills. This focus on education aims to redefine student politics on campus.”

Regarding the organization’s structure, Shahosh mentioned: “We will soon publish our vision and outline on how the new student politics of Bangladesh will be structured, with a focus on improving the environment, enhancing the quality of education, and addressing the current situation.”

Addressing concerns about their affiliation with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Shahosh said: “Chhatra Dal has never acted against the sentiments of students. The BNP has not taken any anti-people decisions to date.”

He emphasized the historical significance of both the BNP and Chhatra Dal in various uprisings, underscoring their commitment to student welfare.

Shipon acknowledged the challenges ahead: “Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has always represented ordinary students. During the past fascist era, we faced numerous obstacles in exercising our right to free expression at the university.”

Despite these struggles, he was optimistic about the current climate for free expression.

Although various student organizations remain active on campus, Shahosh reaffirmed the Chhatra Dal’s commitment to its own agenda, saying: “The Chhatra Dal is not a secret organization; we will continue our politics through healthy and transparent processes.”

The challenge remains to prevent the return of oppressive activities by student organizations. The Chhatra Dal’s history of violence and intimidation raises concerns about its potential resurgence. Many students fear a repeat of such suffering, prompting calls for a complete ban on politics.

In contrast, the Chhatra Dal aims to operate within university regulations, introducing a form of politics that aligns with the demands of ordinary students while upholding democratic values. The aftermath of the BCL’s activities has created a climate of fear and a vacuum on campus.

As students call for depoliticization and various organizations vie for influence, tensions are rising at DU. With classes set to resume on Sunday, many students have indicated they will not return until the political situation on campus is addressed.