DUCSU, Chhatra Dal leaders trade extortion allegations over campus shops

Student union leaders claim Jatiya Chhatra Shakti is part of the extortion ring

Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders have traded allegations over extortion involving shops on the Dhaka University campus.

On Saturday night, DUCSU executive member Sarba Mitra Chakma alleged in a Facebook post that Nurul Gani Sagir, VP candidate of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall backed by Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, and Abdullah Al Kausar, joint convenor of the Masterda Surja Sen Hall unit of Chhatra Dal, along with several others, were involved in extortion.

Sarba Mitra alleged that the individuals allowed others to set up shops in exchange for extortion money, claiming he had information and evidence to support his allegations.

Nurul, however, dismissed the allegations as “false and politically motivated”.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, he said: “If Sarba Mitra Chakma can prove the allegation made against me, I will voluntarily leave the campus holding my ears.”

“I challenge Sarba Mitra Chakma to present evidence for the extortion allegation he has raised against me. If he fails to do so, I will take legal action.”

Following Sarba Mitra’s post, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti staged a protest on Saturday night.

Attempts to contact Abdullah Al Kausar multiple times for his comments on the allegations were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, in an application submitted by Chhatra Dal to the Dhaka University proctor’s office on Sunday, the organisation alleged that since the “controversial” DUCSU election in September, a group of disputed DUCSU representatives, in collusion with the administration, had created an extortion syndicate centred on small and floating shops established with direct and indirect support from students.

The application claimed that there have been multiple allegations at different times of vandalism and eviction targeting shops outside this so-called “syndicate”.

It also alleged that when such incidents came to light, the disputed DUCSU representatives attempted to stir up “violent mobs” on campus through false extortion allegations.

Chhatra Dal has issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the implementation of two demands:

● The Dhaka University administration must formulate and implement rules and regulations for operating small businesses and shops on campus.

● Appropriate action must be taken against those involved in alleged “extortion” and in the syndicate responsible for vandalising and evicting shops.

Assistant Proctor Rafiqul Islam told bdnews24.com, “An investigation committee has been formed to look into the allegations. They have been asked to submit a report quickly. Once the report is received, we will take action.”