42nd National Conference of Bangladesh Chhatra Union Held

The inaugural rally of the 42nd National Conference of Bangladesh Chhatra Union was held today at the foot of Aparajeya Bangla at Dhaka University. Shamsi Ara Zaman, mother of journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo who was martyred in the July mass uprising, formally inaugurated the event starting at 1 PM. Addressing the rally, she said, "If there are dilatory tactics in ensuring justice for the killing of children, the bereaved people along with students and the masses will take to the streets once again."

Accusing of doing business over the mass uprising and harassing the innocent, she said, "This is a betrayal of the martyrs' blood. The government must accept the demands of the Panthakunja and Hatirjheel protection movements." The rally was presided over by Chhatra Union President Ragib Naim and conducted by General Secretary Rakibul Roni. Tamjid Haider Chanchal, convener of the conference preparation committee, said, "The movement that started in July has not ended yet.

"The government has surrendered before anti-independence forces and those using religion as a political weapon." He said, "Under pressure from domestic and foreign vested interests, the government is moving away from public aspirations. We will compel the government to return to the path of implementing the aspirations of the mass uprising." In his presidential speech, Ragib Naim said, "Even though the government has changed, the fascist structure remains intact. The failure to assist martyr families, treat the injured, and ensure justice are acts of betrayal against the blood of the martyrs."

He alleged, "As police attacks on student protests continue, the movement is being forced to return to the streets." Representatives of various progressive student organizations were present at the rally. Leaders of Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Ganotantrik Chhatra Council, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation, Bangladesh Harijan Students Council, and Biplobi Chhatra Jubo Andolan delivered welcoming speeches.

The rally was attended by former Chhatra Union presidents Kazi Sajjad Zahir Chandan, Shamsul Alam Sojon, Baki Billah, and former general secretaries Nur Alam, former VP of RAKSU Ragib Ahsan Munna, among others. Following the rally, a colorful procession started from Aparajeya Bangla and ended at the gymnasium via Shahbagh, TSC, and Doel Chattar. The council session of Chhatra Union will be held at the Student-Teacher Centre of Dhaka University.

A reunion and cultural event organized on the occasion of the organization's 73rd founding anniversary will be held at Hakim Chattar on April 26 at 4 PM.