Dhaka, Aug 27 (V7N) - Bangladesh Islami Chatra Shibir has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the reported vandalism of campaign posters and defacement of candidate images belonging to the 'Oikoboddho Chhatro Jote' panel participating in the upcoming DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students' Union) election.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, Islami Chatra Shibir's Central President Zahidul Islam and Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam denounced the incident that occurred on the opening day of the election campaign. According to the statement, campaign festoons of the 'Oikoboddho Chhatro Jote' were torn down, and several candidate images—including that of a female candidate wearing a hijab—were defaced.
The leaders claimed that the incident is part of a larger conspiracy to derail the DUCSU election process. They argued that such acts are unacceptable, particularly within the academic environment of Dhaka University, which has a history of student activism and democratic engagement. They described the incident as authoritarian in nature and aimed at suppressing fair political competition.
Particular concern was raised regarding the defacement of a hijab-wearing female candidate’s photo. The statement said this act not only insulted personal dignity and religious freedom but also revealed a disturbing element of misogyny. The leaders further alleged that a specific group, along with some media outlets, is deliberately attempting to shield the real perpetrators while implicating general students—calling it a calculated move to distort the truth and mislead public perception.
The statement linked the incident to historical attempts by certain factions to undermine democratic co-existence in universities and to support authoritarian regimes. Referring to past political repression, the organization asserted that such elements are now trying to sabotage the DUCSU election, which they view as the first step in restoring democratic processes on campus.
Chatra Shibir called on the university administration to examine CCTV footage and promptly identify and take disciplinary action against those responsible. The group also urged the authorities to ensure a level playing field, maintain campus safety, and remain impartial throughout the election process.
The statement concluded with a message of hope that Dhaka University students would once again unite against conspiracies and uphold their democratic rights by electing qualified and representative candidates.
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