The Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) has published the written responses of two of its branch leaders following controversy over remarks advocating the closure of the country’s leading newspapers, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, and calling for the dismantling of certain progressive organisations, including BAMS, Shahbagh, Chayanat, and Udichi, in the name of “attaining true independence for Bangladesh.”
Nurul Islam Saddam, Secretary General of ICS, stated that Mostakur Rahman, Vice President of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) and branch president, and Mostafizur Rahman, Secretary of the Jahangirnagar University branch, have submitted their written explanations. In these responses, both leaders clarified the reasoning behind their statements and were reminded that failure to exercise caution in the future could result in “the highest organisational measures.”
The remarks first surfaced on social media last Thursday evening, shortly after news of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of the Inqilab Munch, circulated. In a video shared widely on Facebook, the two leaders appeared to call for the closure of the newspapers and the dismantling of the specified organisations.
However, Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, refuted the claims, stating, “These are not our views, and we do not endorse them.”
According to Saddam, the ICS leaders’ written responses described the incident as a result of “misunderstanding.” They explained that prolonged negative coverage by the newspapers contributed to their remarks, emphasising that the party never supports any acts of violence or vandalism. Both leaders pledged to exercise the utmost caution in future communications.
ICS central President Zahidul Islam and Secretary General Nurul Islam Saddam, in a joint statement, condemned attempts to attribute violent intentions to the organisation, describing recent accusations as a “planned conspiracy against Islami Chhatra Shibir.”
Summary of Leaders’ Written Statements
| Name | Position | Statement | Explanation / Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mostakur Rahman | RACSU VP & Branch President | Closure of newspapers needed | Expression of anger and personal opinion; no support for attacks |
| Mostafizur Rahman | Jahangirnagar University Branch Secretary | Dismantle BAMS, Shahbagh, Chayanat, Udichi | Personal statement; does not endorse violence |
The joint statement further stressed that ICS does not condone or sympathise with any violent action. The organisation has called for a neutral and credible investigation into the matter and reaffirmed its unwavering respect for the media and independent journalism, emphasising that attacks on freedom of expression are never justifiable.