Shibir Activists Mock BNP Counterparts Amid Campus Tensions

In an unusual display of political theatre at Rajshahi University (RU), activists from the university branch of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir were observed posing for a series of light-hearted photographs in front of anti-clandestine political graffiti recently painted by the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). The incident, which took place around 5:00 pm on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, has further heightened the ideological friction between the two prominent student organisations on campus.

A Casual Encounter or Calculated Mockery?

The graffiti, located on a wall adjacent to the University’s Central Library, bears the slogan “Ban Clandestine Politics”. It was originally painted by JCD activists—the student wing of the BNP—as a direct jab at Shibir, whom they accuse of operating in the shadows.

However, the RU Shibir leadership appeared unbothered by the accusation. Mujahid Faisal, the President of the Rajshahi University Shibir branch, explained that the photo session was a spontaneous decision made while he and his colleagues were walking to a nearby tea stall.

“Our brothers from the Chhatra Dal have worked quite hard on this wall writing, so we decided to take a photograph beside it,” Faisal remarked with a touch of irony. “We actually agree with their stated demand—there should be no room for clandestine politics. Politics in Bangladesh must be conducted on domestic soil. The people do not want leadership from those who flee the country during times of peril.”

Comparison of Recent Political Maneuvers at RU

The tension between the two groups has escalated following a violent clash between their counterparts at Chittagong City College. The following table outlines the timeline of the recent tit-for-tat actions at Rajshahi University:

Defending Public Presence

Tajul Islam, the Dawah Secretary of RU Shibir and the Vice President (VP) of the Motihar Hall Union, vehemently rejected the notion that Shibir is a “secret” or “underground” entity. He pointed to their historical and recent activities on campus as evidence of their transparency.

“It is illogical to label Chhatra Shibir a clandestine organisation,” Islam argued. “We have openly conducted career guidance seminars, publication festivals, free medical camps, round-table discussions, and New Year exhibitions on this very campus. Our members have been duly elected to the RUCSU (Rajshahi University Central Student Union) and various Hall Unions. How can a group be called ‘secret’ when they participate in public elections and community service?”

He further alleged that the JCD activists were projecting their own history onto Shibir. “Those who have operated in the shadows for years are now using the word ‘clandestine’ against us. Not a single one of our leaders fled abroad. For the last 17 years, we remained in the country, facing imprisonment and oppression while continuing our work.”

Chhatra Dal’s Justification

The JCD leadership remains steadfast in their campaign. Sultan Ahmed Rahi, President of RU Chhatra Dal, stated that the wall-writing was a necessary measure to raise awareness about what he termed the “secretive and harmful” political activities of Jamaat-Shibir.

“Chhatra Dal is conducting this programme to put a stop to the hidden political agendas of Shibir,” Rahi declared. “We must ensure transparent and systematic student politics on campus. Any activities that go against the interests of general students will not be tolerated.”

The juxtaposition of Chhatra Dal’s serious protest and Shibir’s mocking photo session reflects a complex new era of campus politics in 2026. While both sides claim to champion transparency, the underlying bitterness from nearly two decades of political shifts remains palpable.