On the anniversary of the historic 2024 July-August mass uprising, Chhatra Dal—the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)—announced a bold 9-point pledge to carry forward the hopes and demands of the student masses who led the democratic revolt just a year ago.
At a vibrant student rally held Sunday afternoon at Shahbagh, Dhaka, Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib formally declared the commitments during his presidential address. The event was part of a month-long nationwide campaign marking the one-year anniversary of the popular uprising that shook the foundations of authoritarian rule in Bangladesh.
BNP’s acting chairman and the organizational guardian of Chhatra Dal, Tarique Rahman, addressed the rally virtually from London as the chief guest.
The 9-Point Commitment: A Blueprint for Democratic and Student-Centric Reform
Chhatra Dal’s declaration outlines a vision for safe campuses, inclusive education, student rights, and a democratic Bangladesh free from fascism and oppression. The key commitments are:
- Eradication of Campus Violence: The organization pledged to abolish the culture of “guest room” torture, forced political participation, and political repression within educational institutions.
- Safe and Livable Campuses: It promised proactive steps to ensure safe accommodation, nutritious food, and a conducive academic environment in campus residential halls.
- Social Justice and Gender Equality: Chhatra Dal vowed to work for an inclusive, tolerant, and democratic society based on equality—regardless of religion, race, or gender—along with ensuring women’s participation and safety in education and employment.
- Nationalist and Anti-Fascist Education Policy: The group called for a universal, nationalist education policy rooted in communal harmony and anti-fascist values.
- Employment-Oriented Education: Pledging to fight unemployment, Chhatra Dal demanded a skill-based, tech-driven education system and fair, corruption-free examination processes.
- Drug-Free Society: A strong stance was taken against drug abuse, with commitments to foster drug-free campuses and communities.
- Cultural Movement Rooted in Nationalist History: Emphasizing historical continuity, the group promised to revive cultural practices aligned with the country’s anti-colonial, liberation, and nationalist heritage—including the 2024 uprising.
- Student Union Elections: Chhatra Dal committed to ensuring regular and fair student union elections in all colleges and universities to uphold student rights and leadership.
- Safeguarding Democracy: In a direct challenge to future authoritarianism, the organization vowed to relentlessly fight for freedom of expression, voting rights, human rights, and the autonomy of democratic institutions.
A Call for Continuity in Resistance
“Chhatra Dal is not just commemorating a movement—we are continuing it,” said Rakibul Islam Rakib, emphasizing the organization’s transformation from opposition to initiative. “These nine points are not slogans; they are a student-driven declaration of intent to shape the next democratic Bangladesh.”
Tarique Rahman, in his virtual address, praised the student front’s renewed vision and urged them to remain steadfast in resisting all forms of oppression and manipulation by state apparatus.
Political Context
The declaration comes at a crucial juncture, as Bangladesh’s political landscape remains in flux following the July Uprising that exposed deep fractures within the regime and emboldened a new generation of student-led movements. With mainstream political parties like the BNP increasingly aligning themselves with grassroots reforms and citizen-led demands, Chhatra Dal’s statement signals a possible generational shift in opposition strategy.
