Ex-Student Leader Alleges Shibir Posed as BCL to Abuse Peers

Abdul Kader, Coordinator of the Democratic Student Parliament at the University of Dhaka and former organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, has revealed startling allegations implicating former leaders and activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir—student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami—who reportedly infiltrated the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and engaged in acts of student abuse while the Awami League was in power.

In a lengthy Facebook post published on Sunday night, Kader detailed how individuals with a background in Shibir adopted the identity of BCL activists to secure power and engage in coercion, harassment, and political violence on campus.

Allegations at a Glance

Infiltration Strategy and Manipulation

Kader asserted that former Shibir members consciously mimicked BCL culture to gain trust and power:

“They had to embody BCL culture, taking students to guest rooms, rallies, and forcing obedience—simply to climb the ranks,” wrote Kader.

He also noted a pattern: many of these individuals became hall candidates, the first step to formal political grooming in campus politics. They were allegedly supported by underground Shibir members who excelled in flattery, manipulation, and intelligence gathering.

Post-5 August Activities: Coordinated Infiltration

Following the violent events of 5 August (year unspecified), Kader claimed that Shibir-linked individuals seized opportunities in campus administration under the guise of BCL. Notably:

• Batch representatives and disciplinary committees were allegedly formed based on “Shibir prescriptions”.
• These reps became de facto hall authorities, and even curated BCL’s list of candidates post-violence, omitting their own names and those of their Shibir associates.

Kader claimed:

“Batch reps, elected online via manipulated engineering, turned into shadow administrators—removing their own from prosecution lists.”

Alleged Interference in Legal Proceedings

Kader highlighted several instances where former Shibir leaders tried to influence ongoing investigations or legal actions:

• Hasan Sayeedi, accused of kidnapping two businessmen and attacking students at Dhaka Medical, was arrested but astonishingly released within a week.
• Shibir’s former DU president Sadiq Kayem, currently Shibir’s Central Publications Secretary, allegedly lobbied on behalf of accused individuals to have their names dropped from legal proceedings.
• Sadiq reportedly contacted complainants Mahim Sarkar and Arman Hossain, providing lists of individuals to exclude—several of whom were later confirmed to have Shibir ties.

University Complicity and Impunity

Kader accused the university administration of enabling these elements:

• Sayeedi, despite being a student of DU’s Finance Department, was allowed to sit exams at the Leather Engineering Institute—an unusual arrangement.
• Students from the institute, recognising him, detained Sayeedi and informed others. Despite resistance, police only accepted the case under student pressure.
• Shibir operatives allegedly tried to intervene via proctorial channels to prevent legal proceedings.

Kader remarked:

“His Facebook now glorifies Shibir again. He was in hiding within BCL all along.”

The Dilemma of Dual Loyalties

A central concern raised by Kader is the strategic double role played by Shibir infiltrators:

• They acquired BCL positions by adopting extreme behaviour and loyalty.
• Then, following 5 August, some re-emerged under their true banners in Shibir gatherings and social media posts.

Kader’s Final Observations and Frustration

Kader expressed disappointment that the July commitments to justice and reform could not be upheld, due to lobbying and protection from both Shibir and BCL factions.

He concluded:

“Everyone saved their own party people. Shibir denies infiltration—but let them publish their last 10 years of DU and hall committees. What’s the fear now?”

He further wrote:

“Shibir-linked individuals now act as the moral police in halls. If exposed, their previous faces will be unmasked.

Rebuttal from Abu Sadiq Kayem

When contacted by Prothom Alo, Abu Sadiq Kayem denied all claims:

“I never discussed such matters with Kader. His Facebook claims are false. I only messaged Arman regarding ensuring no innocent students are harassed.”

Summary Timeline of Alleged Events