In a calculated and symbolic move blending religiosity with political messaging, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has chosen to mark its sweeping victory in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections not with celebratory rallies or victory processions, but with nightlong prayers and religious gatherings.
The student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami announced a two-day nationwide programme on Wednesday, September 10, urging all its metropolitan, district, city, and university units to organize doa mahfils (prayer sessions) and Shab Bedari, a traditional Islamic practice of overnight prayers and spiritual reflection, instead of public parades or jubilant processions.
The decision comes in the wake of the landslide win of the Oikyabaddha Shikkharthi Jote (United Students’ Alliance), a coalition led and backed by Shibir, which secured 8 out of 9 contested positions in the long-delayed DUCSU polls. The victory is being hailed within Islamist circles as a political and ideological resurgence on one of Bangladesh’s most influential academic campuses.
By eschewing street celebrations, Shibir has sent a clear signal: this is not merely a student electoral win, but a divine triumph to be honored through piety and restraint.
“The victory belongs to Allah. We are celebrating it with gratitude, humility, and prayer,” read part of the official statement, which was disseminated across Shibir’s social media channels and local units.
Political analysts say the move is both strategic and ideological.