Protest Erupts Over Alleged Coercion of Students into Political Rally During School Hours

Students at Bindubasini Government Boys’ High School in Tangail, Bangladesh, have alleged they were forced to attend a political rally of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) during school hours, bypassing their regular academic activities. The incident prompted a protest and demonstration led by both current and former students.

The Incident

On Wednesday, 30 July, students gathered for a demonstration march through major streets of Tangail city, culminating in a protest rally in front of the Tangail Press Club. The protesting students shouted slogans and voiced their grievances against the alleged political intrusion into their education.

Voices from the Protest

Saiful Bari, a current student, stated:

“On Tuesday morning, NCP leaders entered our classrooms without teachers’ permission and forcefully took us to join their rally. Eventually, an argument broke out between teachers and the leaders. The school was then forced to declare an early closure. We aren’t even of voting age — why are we being used in political activities? We strongly oppose this.”

Tanjil Ahmed, a former student, added:

“This is disgraceful. Never before have students been forcibly removed from classrooms to participate in politics. Those responsible must be punished. If they publicly apologise, we may consider peace — otherwise, we will continue our movement with greater force.”

NCP’s Response

Masudur Rahman Russel, the NCP’s district chief coordinator, denied issuing any such directive:

“No instructions came from our end to involve students. However, we deeply regret what happened and will ensure students are not asked to participate in our events in the future. We have already extended our apologies to the teachers as well.”

The NCP’s July March

Earlier on Tuesday morning, the NCP had launched its “July March” from Shamsul Haque Gate, parading through the city’s main roads and concluding at Nirala Mor with a public gathering.

attendees at the event included:

• Nahid Islam, NCP Convener
• Sarjis Alam, Chief Organiser of the Northern Region
• Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser of the Southern Region
• Other senior NCP leaders

Heightened Security

Following the uproar over the incident, over 900 police personnel were deployed across the city to maintain order and ensure the safety of both students and general citizens.

The controversy has raised serious concerns over the politicisation of educational institutions in Bangladesh, with calls growing for safeguarding students from political coercion.