Rajshahi, Feb 23 (V7N) – Leaders and activists of the Rajshahi metropolitan unit of Jubo Dal formed a human chain on Sunday, alleging that “fascist elements” are being rehabilitated in 41 organizational ward committees by excluding long-standing and loyal party workers.

The protest was held at Shaheb Bazar Zero Point in the city around 12:00 pm. Speakers at the event claimed that for the past 17 years, leaders and activists of Rajshahi metropolitan Jubo Dal had faced imprisonment, lawsuits, attacks and repression during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government. Many, they said, were forced to remain away from their homes for extended periods due to political persecution.

They alleged that instead of recognizing those who had been active in anti-government movements, individuals affiliated with the Awami League were being included in the newly formed committees of 41 organizational wards under the Rajshahi metropolitan unit of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Protesters strongly condemned what they described as the formation of “pocket committees” and demanded the immediate cancellation of the newly announced ward committees. They called for the reconstitution of the committees with the inclusion of leaders and activists who had been tested in political movements and had endured repression.

Speakers further alleged that before August 5, several individuals who were members of various committees of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations, including Jubo League and Chhatra League, had been appointed to the 41 ward committees in exchange for money. They claimed that nearly 200 such individuals had been accommodated, weakening the organizational foundation of the metropolitan Jubo Dal.

The protesters also alleged that several leaders of Rajshahi metropolitan BNP and Jubo Dal were involved in the process. They demanded organizational action and expulsion of individuals who had previously been served show-cause notices for allegedly working in favor of the Awami League.

Among those present at the human chain were Abdul Kader Bokul, former convener of Ward No. 21 Jubo Dal; Md. Nazir Hasan, joint convener of Ward No. 3 Jubo Dal; Anwarul Islam, joint convener of Ward No. 2 Jubo Dal; Shafiul Alam Tiya, former convener of Motihar Thana Jubo Dal; and Tanvir Alam, joint convener of Rajshahi metropolitan Jubo Dal, along with leaders and activists from various levels of the organization.

END/MRA/SMA/