Shibir to go underground again, claims Qader

A fresh political storm is brewing in campus politics after a former student leader alleged that Islami Chhatra Shibir is preparing to return to its “secret operations” by using other student platforms as shields.

Abdul Qader, former convener of the Dhaka University unit of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, made the claims in a Facebook post on Friday, January 13, accusing the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami – Islami Chhatra Shibir – of planning to operate behind the scenes through exploiting the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chhatra Shakti.

In his post, Qader claimed Shibir would be “forced” to revert to its previous political strategies.

“They know very well what they have done in the past one and a half years. Because of that, they will have to adopt old tactics again,” he wrote, suggesting the organisation would remain hidden while influencing activities indirectly.

He alleged that following political changes after August 5, 2024, Shibir established a dominant presence on various campuses.

Qader claimed that committees were formed in residential halls and academic buildings, creating what he described as an atmosphere of control.

“Whenever someone from another organisation goes to the hall, mobs are created,” he alleged. “Groups move around at night and in the evenings under the guise of ordinary students. Campuses were effectively held hostage.”

He further alleged that individuals aligned with the organisation were placed in administrative positions to consolidate influence.

In his post, Qader also criticised what he termed “online filth, arrogance and harassment of women,” claiming such behaviour had damaged the organisation’s public image.

“For these reasons, they will try to hide their inner fears. But it is useless – everyone’s identity has already been revealed,” he wrote.

One of the most serious allegations was that Shibir would use activists of the National Citizen Party and Chhatra Shakti to confront political opponents while staying in the background.

“They will secretly use leaders and activists of Chhatra Shakti to face opponents,” he claimed, raising questions about whether those platforms would be aware of such alleged strategies or face risks themselves.

There was no immediate reaction from Islami Chhatra Shibir, the National Citizen Party or Chhatra Shakti regarding the allegations.