Rangamati district’s Chhatra Dal has formed a new committee for the first time in almost eight years, revealing a 23-member interim committee recently. The central Chhatra Dal unit made the announcement on their official Facebook page, directing local leaders to establish a complete committee within the next 30 days.
The newly appointed president is Md Ali Ahad, with Naimul Islam Rony taking on the role of general secretary within the committee. However, a faction of district Chhatra Dal leaders and members have opposed the committee, claiming that most office-bearers are married. They refused to acknowledge the committee and staged a demonstration in the district town at 11:00 am today.
The protest resulted in a roadblock in front of the district BNP office, causing a traffic standstill for nearly two and a half hours. Protesters accused the committee of including individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion, marriage, and those not actively studying. They have vowed to continue their protests until the current committee is dissolved and a new one, consisting of qualified students, is established.
One of the contenders for the president position, Fazrul Islam, expressed disappointment, stating, “We were expecting a committee that truly represents student sacrifices in challenging times. However, this committee falls short of that expectation, with about 70 percent being married.”
Traditionally, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of BNP, requires its leaders, especially in key roles, to be unmarried and engaged in active studies. Responding to the criticism, the new president, Md Ali Ahad, mentioned, “It’s normal for people to have expectations. We will collaborate with all members, and the full committee will assess leaders and members appropriately.”
District BNP General Secretary Mamunur Rashid revealed that he has raised the concerns with the central Chhatra Dal. He added, “Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan is overseeing the situation, and we are hopeful for a positive resolution.”
