JCD Challenges University Over Campus Extortion Syndicate

The Dhaka University (DU) unit of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has formally called upon the university administration to dismantle an alleged extortion syndicate involving controversial student representatives and administrative staff. In a written petition submitted on Sunday, 26 January 2026, the organisation demanded immediate accountability for those targeting small-scale street vendors and floating shops across the campus.

Allegations of Administrative Collusion

Signed by DU JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, the application details a sophisticated “syndicate” operational since the disputed DUCSU (Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) elections. The JCD alleges that certain student representatives, in league with specific university employees, have been demanding protection money from campus vendors.

Those who refuse to comply with these illegal demands reportedly face arbitrary evictions and the destruction of their stalls. Furthermore, the JCD claims that when these grievances are brought to light, the accused representatives attempt to deflect blame by orchestrating “mob violence” and accusing other political student bodies of the very crimes they are allegedly committing.

Summary of Demands and Allegations

Combatting Digital Disinformation

The petition also addressed recent attempts to tarnish the JCD’s reputation. The leadership asserted that a video from approximately six weeks ago has been selectively edited and circulated online to create a false narrative. They maintained that since the political shifts of 5 August, there is no moral or factual basis to link JCD activists to extortionate practices.

The organisation expressed profound concern regarding the impact of these “syndicates” on the academic environment and campus peace. They argued that the administration’s silence has emboldened these controversial figures to operate with impunity.

The Ultimatum

The JCD has laid out a strict timeline for the university authorities to intervene:

Policy Clarity: The administration must issue and publicise clear regulations regarding the operation of small businesses on campus.

Impartial Inquiry: A neutral investigation must be launched into the alleged collusion between student reps and administrative staff.

Legal Action: If a clear explanation is not provided by 8:00 PM tonight, and demands are not met within 24 hours, the JCD has vowed to pursue formal legal channels against both the accused individuals and the university administration.