‘Claiming sole credit undermines spirit of July-August uprising’: DU Shibir general secretary

SM Farhad, general secretary of Islami Chhatrashibir’s Dhaka University (DU) unit, today (26 September) decried attempts by some to take sole credit for the July-August uprising, calling it a contradiction to the movement’s spirit of unity.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), Farhad emphasised that the uprising was a collective effort. “The movement was not driven by one group or ideology. Political parties from across the spectrum—BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, leftists—joined forces to resist fascism. To claim sole credit is against the spirit of the uprising,” he said. “The people of Bangladesh, regardless of their political views, fought together to free the country from an oppressive regime.”

Farhad also addressed allegations of violence linked to Islami Chhatrashibir, specifically the notorious practice of “rog kata” (cutting tendons). In response to a journalist’s question, he said, “If you search ‘rog kata’ on Google, you will find numerous reports of such crimes tied to Chhatra League, the student wing of the former ruling party, Awami League. There are no records linking these acts to Shibir.”

Farhad announced that the full committee of Shibir’s DU unit would be revealed soon. “We have named our president and general secretary, and the complete committee will be disclosed shortly. We just need some time,” he said.

On the issue of student politics at Dhaka University, Farhad said, “There will be systematic student politics on campus. No one will be forced into political activity. Everything will be determined by the university administration. Once this structure is in place, student politics will take on a new, reformed shape.”

When asked how Shibir has been received by the general student body, Farhad claimed that the organization’s re-entry into campus life has been positive. “Fascism did two things: it closed Shibir’s offices and instilled fear. But after our resurgence, this foundation of fear has been broken. The majority of students have responded positively to us. Those who have observed our behaviour and personality over the past five years are giving us positive feedback online,” he added.

On September 22, the identities of Shibir’s president and general secretary for DU were made public, with Farhad’s name officially revealed as the secretary.

Farhad is a student of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, enrolled in the 2017-18 session, and a resident of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall. He has also served as the president of the Jasim Uddin Hall Debating Club (2022-23) and is the current president of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Students’ Union, an organization representing students from the region who are studying at Dhaka University.