JCD ends Shahbagh blockade without breakthrough
Bangladesh desk: After four days of relentless protests and a blockade at Shahbagh, leaders and activists of Jatiyotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) have finally withdrawn from the intersection, accusing authorities of failing to ensure trial for the brutal murder of Dhaka University (DU) student and JCD leader Shahriar Alam Shammo.
The demonstration, marked by black flags, fiery slogans and campus unrest, ended without any major breakthrough in the investigation, leaving students disheartened and vowing to continue their movement through alternative programs.
After a two-hour blockade, leaders and activists of JCD finally vacated the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka on Sunday evening.
The protest in Shahbagh along with a nationwide protest event across country’s educational institutes were organized to denounce investigative negligence in murder case of DU JCD leader Shahriar Alam Shammo and to demand the arrest of main perpetrator.
The blockade began around 3:30 PM under the leadership of central JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir, following a protest rally held in front of National Museum at 3:00 PM. They left Shahbagh at approximately 5:30 PM without announcing any future programs.
DU JCD staged a black flag rally around 2 PM demanding justice for murdered student Shahriar Alam Shammo and resignation of VC and Proctor over campus security failures.
Marching from TSC to Aparajeyo Bangla, protesters chanted slogans and denounced administrative negligence. DU JCD leaders accused the administration of shielding pro-AL groups and failing to protect students. They warned of intensified protests if resignations aren’t submitted.
Earlier, students marched to besiege Shahbagh Police Station.
During blockade, protesters chanted slogans such as “We want justice” and “Justice for Shammo.”
On May 14, DU administration declared Thursday as a day of mourning and announced a half-day suspension of classes and examinations in response to Shammo’s murder.
On May 15, JCD protesters braved heavy downpours to demand justice for Shammo at Dhaka University They directly blamed university administrators for failing to ensure student safety. Students at DU expressed outrage as JCD allegedly brought paid activists onto campus for protests, with reports suggesting they allegedly paid Tk 300 per person.
The controversial tactics drew widespread criticism for mirroring methods previously employed by Chhatra League, as concerned students claim these outsiders disrupted campus activities and intimidated library users, faculties and departments.
Protesting students have locked the entrances of several faculties and Registrar’s Building at DU, demanding justice for Shahriar Alam Sammo.
Majority of DU students are demanding justice following murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, according to private Facebook poll that captured 3,350 votes, representing 97% of respondents. Poll reveals strong consensus for campus security reforms and removal of unauthorised visitors, whilst only 2% of voters (72 students) support VC and Proctor resignations.
DU authority established seven-member investigation committee on Shammo’s muder case.
DU campus descended into sharp division following brutal murder of Shammo, with factions forming either supporting or condemning Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan’s handling of crisis. Whilst Chhatra Dal members demand VC’s immediate resignation, holding administration directly responsible for security failures.
A wall is currently under construction at gate of Suhrawardy Udyan adjacent to TSC. Sirajul Islam, an official from contractor company involved in the work, stated that the construction would be completed soon.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan announced in a press conference on Wednesday that the wall is being built to permanently close off Udyan gate near TSC, under the supervision of Ministry of Housing and Public Works.
The incident that sparked the protest occurred late Tuesday night (14 May) at Suhrawardy Udyan, where Shammo got into a dispute following a motorbike accident and was fatally stabbed.
Amid the chaos following Shammo’s murder, agitated JCD members created a mob.
When the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, arrived at the scene, he too was heckled by students. Protesters vandalized Suhrawardy Udyan’s stalls and assaulted displaced persons taking shelter there.
On Friday, regarding three individuals arrested in Shammo’s murder case, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed defended detention process, “They were detained based on statements from two eyewitnesses under Section 161 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1998. Go to police station and ask OC to show you FIR.”
The following day, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) announced investigation into Shahriar Alam Shammo murder will conclude within seven days. Case will subsequently be forwarded to special tribunal seeking maximum punishment for culprits.
Shammo was a 2018–19 student of Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University.
