Dhaka, Oct 23 (V7N) – The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the Awami League, has officially protested the interim government's decision to ban the organization. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the ban on Wednesday night, sparking strong opposition from the Chhatra League, which called the move a "conspiratorial decision" in a media statement.

The statement, signed by Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan, labeled the interim government as "illegal, unconstitutional, and anti-national" and demanded its immediate resignation. They also accused the government of attempting to distract from its "failures" by targeting a historically significant organization like the Chhatra League.

In their response, Chhatra League leaders highlighted the organization's historical contributions, referencing key events such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1962 Education Movement, the Six-Point Movement of 1966, the 1969 Mass Uprising, and the 1971 Liberation War. They stated that the Chhatra League has always been a key participant in the country's democratic and social movements.

The organization also dismissed accusations related to violent activities against students, including allegations of murder, torture, and harassment in student dormitories. They claimed that these charges were part of a "meticulous plan" by anti-liberation forces to discredit the Chhatra League.

The interim government's ban was enacted under sub-section (1) of Section 18 of the 'Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009,' citing the involvement of Chhatra League in various public security issues, including violence, harassment, and criminal activities over the last 15 years. According to the government, the decision to ban Chhatra League was based on documentary evidence and court rulings in cases of terrorist incidents involving the organization.

The ban, effective immediately, adds the Chhatra League to the list of prohibited entities under Schedule II of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

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