Banned Chhatra League Holds Rally in Natore

Leaders and activists of the banned Chhatra League staged a brief procession and roadside gathering in Natore on Friday morning, with footage of the event later spreading widely across Facebook and other social media platforms.

According to local sources, the programme took place at around 7:00 a.m. on the Natore–Rajshahi Highway near Dhalan Bazar in Natore Sadar Upazila. Witnesses said that between 15 and 20 individuals participated in what appeared to be a short, organised demonstration. The participants were seen carrying a banner bearing the organisation’s name alongside the national flag as they marched along the highway.

Residents in the area said the procession lasted for approximately five minutes before the group stopped at a nearby road junction to hold a brief roadside meeting. During the gathering, one individual stood on top of a van and addressed the participants. A white microbus was also seen moving in the vicinity throughout the programme, according to eyewitness accounts.

Those attending the rally reportedly demanded the withdrawal of all legal cases filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Video clips of both the procession and the roadside meeting were recorded by onlookers and quickly circulated on Facebook, drawing significant attention and discussion online.

Speaking about the event, Emran Hossain, a former leader of Rajshahi University Chhatra League, defended the procession. He claimed that organising a rally was part of the right to freedom of expression and said that was the reason behind holding the programme.

Emran also alleged that, following the procession, several shops in the surrounding area were vandalised and a number of people were assaulted. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the alleged incidents, including the identities of those involved, the extent of the reported damage, or whether any formal complaints had been lodged with the authorities.

Law enforcement officials said they had not received prior information about the gathering. Natore Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mansur Rahman stated that police were unaware that members of the banned organisation had carried out the procession.

He added that if any activities involving the banned Chhatra League were found to have taken place, the matter would be investigated and legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.

The incident has renewed attention on the activities of organisations that have been declared banned and the challenges authorities face in monitoring sudden public gatherings organised without prior notice. At the same time, the circulation of video footage on social media has intensified public scrutiny of the event, while officials have yet to announce whether any investigation has been launched into the claims and counterclaims surrounding the procession and its aftermath.