Expression of Regret by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal

The Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) will hold a student rally tomorrow, Sunday, 3rd August, at Shahbagh in the capital city, Dhaka. In anticipation of potential public inconvenience caused by this event, the organisation has expressed its sincere apologies to the residents of Dhaka in advance.

On Saturday, 2nd August, senior leaders of the Chhatra Dal issued a formal statement conveying their regrets.

Background: Earlier Public Apology by Jamaat-e-Islami

Prior to this, on 19th July, Jamaat-e-Islami had already issued an advance apology concerning public disturbances expected around the national rally planned at Suhrawardy Udyan. That rally aimed to present seven demands to the public, including the implementation of the Proportional Representation (PR) system, visible justice for the July Genocide, and ensuring a level playing field.

Statement Highlights from Chhatra Dal Leaders

• In June, marking the remembrance of the July Mass Uprising, the Chhatra Dal announced a 36-day-long programme, initially planning to hold a rally at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on 3rd August.
• Subsequently, leaders of the National Citizens’ Party approached the Chhatra Dal leaders multiple times personally, requesting to hold their rally at the same venue on 3rd August.
• The Chhatra Dal had obtained formal permission from the Dhaka University Proctor’s Office to hold their rally at the Martyrs’ Memorial.

• The statement emphasises that the Chhatra Dal were the sole legitimate claimants to hold a rally at the Martyrs’ Memorial on that date.
• However, as a liberal, democratic, and pluralistic student organisation committed to coexistence of diverse opinions and paths, the Chhatra Dal chose to change their rally venue to Shahbagh.
• The leaders acknowledged the anticipated difficulties for the public caused by holding a rally on a busy working day in the capital.
• Despite this, they stated the necessity of this decision in the interest of a broad unity of anti-fascist forces on this significant commemorative day of the July Mass Uprising.
• They reiterated their position as the largest student organisation in the country, taking responsibility and showing magnanimity in relocating the rally venue.
• The Chhatra Dal leadership conveyed advance apologies for any public hardship that may occur due to tomorrow’s rally.

Closing Remarks

The statement expressed hope that the citizens of Dhaka will consider the matter with empathy and understanding.

Furthermore, the Chhatra Dal promised to remain even more vigilant in future regarding any public inconveniences caused by their activities, in their capacity as a responsible student organisation.