From Chhatra League position holders to Chhatra Dal joint conveners: What the two leaders said in explanation

After a long five years, on July 7, the central Chhatra Dal approved a 68-member convening committee for the university branch. Tofayel Ahmed and A. S. M. Sanowar Rabbi Promise were appointed as joint conveners in it.

It is learned that in the law faculty committee of the university branch Chhatra League announced on September 7, 2022, Tofayel Ahmed was included as vice-president and Sanowar Rabbi Promise as assistant sports secretary. After their inclusion in the new Chhatra Dal committee, widespread discussion began on social media and the campus regarding the matter.

Regarding the controversy, Tofayel Ahmed said that at that time, due to the political influence of the Awami League and campus realities, many things had to be done strategically. He claimed that although he had to be present in some programs to protect his student status and for security, he was ideologically aligned with Chhatra Dal politics.

He stated, “That time was the golden age of the Awami League. Due to the campus and hall situation, my presence in some Chhatra League programs might have occurred for strategic or circumstantial reasons. We are children of middle-class families. If we lost our student status, our lives would have become dark.”

He further said, “In 2022, 2024, and even before that, I have done Chhatra Dal politics through public Facebook posts and video messages. I have proof of these.”

On the other hand, Sanowar Rabbi Promise denied the allegations of active involvement with Chhatra League. He said that like many students of the law faculty, his name was also added to the Chhatra League committee without permission.

He said, “I was never involved in Chhatra League politics. No one can show a picture of me participating in any of their programs. I even informed the department about the inclusion of my name.”

Rabbi claimed that during the July movement, he was at the forefront of the university and became active in Chhatra Dal out of belief in nationalist ideology.

Regarding this, the convener of the university branch Chhatra Dal, Habibur Rahman Habib, said that the relevant individuals were vetted before being given responsibilities.

He said, “They were active in the July movement and have also participated in various Chhatra Dal programs in the past. Many were placed in Chhatra League committees at that time unwillingly or without their knowledge. They were given responsibilities considering these issues.”

However, he also informed that if credible evidence of active Chhatra League politics against them is found in the future, organizational rules will be followed to take action.