‘Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal, Shibir, or Student Rights Council’ — He Appears to Be Linked with All of Them

On 23 July, a video circulated widely on social media showing a young man being beaten and forcibly detained by police during a student protest in front of the Secretariat in Dhaka. In the footage, several police officers are seen throwing the man to the ground and assaulting him before forcing him onto a rickshaw and taking him away. Following the video’s spread, a flood of rumours and misinformation began circulating online regarding the man’s identity and political affiliation.

Identity Confusion and Online Misinformation

The man seen being assaulted in the video has been identified as Jakir Mahmud Hasan, a student of Political Science at Habibullah Bahar College. However, conflicting reports have emerged online about his political alignment:

All these allegations, however, remain unverified. Police have officially confirmed that no explosive or bomb-like object was found in his possession after his detention.

Jakir’s Personal Statement

Jakir Mahmud Hasan has publicly denied having any political involvement. He stated:

“I am a Political Science student at Habibullah Bahar College. I am not involved in politics. Last year, I was shot during a protest. This year, I was beaten and am now facing a media trial. It shows that protesting has become a crime.”

Jakir explained that the reason he was present at the protest site was due to concern for his two younger brothers, both of whom are Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinees. He stated they were injured during the police crackdown, prompting him to rush to the scene:

“My two younger brothers were beaten by the police. When I went to take them away, I too was grabbed and beaten.”

The Bomb Rumour

Addressing the rumour that he was carrying a bomb, Jakir clarified:

“Even the police said they found no bomb on me. Yet various pages and media outlets are falsely reporting that I carried one. I didn’t even have a bag — just a mobile phone in my pocket.”

In a press briefing, Mohammad Abdul Ahad, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ramna Division, stated:

“Some individuals were detained at the scene due to suspicious behaviour. After investigation, those not found guilty were released.”

Political Photos Fuel More Confusion

Images have also emerged on social media showing Jakir posing with leaders from various political student organisations. This has led to further confusion, with different groups claiming — or denying — his association.

Jakir responded:

“I try to maintain good relations with everyone. Just having a photo with someone doesn’t mean I’m politically involved.”

Mixed Reactions from Political Groups

• Taslim Hasan Abhi, a leader of the Student Rights Council, wrote on Facebook:

“Jakir Mahmud is a bold, courageous, and patriotic student. Misleading information is being spread about him.”

• A Chhatra Dal leader from Habibullah Bahar College, speaking anonymously, commented:

“He’s a bit of an enigma—maintains contact with all parties. But whatever he does, he does it openly.”

Jakir’s Outburst Against Media Trial

Expressing frustration over the media’s handling of the incident, Jakir posted on Facebook:

“What is the media’s job—creating viral headlines or presenting the truth? Those tagging me with ‘bomb’ and ‘Chhatra League’ don’t even know who I am. Someone saw a viral video and made up a story, and now the media is running with it.”

Jakir’s story highlights the dangers of misinformation and political labelling in a polarised society where protest can be swiftly criminalised, and identity blurred by rumour.