RRAG condemns brutal attack on Adivasi students by Islamic Chhatra Shibir in Dhaka; 11 injured, two critical

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 15, 2025

The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has strongly condemned a violent attack on Adivasi students by cadres of the Islamic Chhatra Shibir, an affiliate of Jamaat-e-Islami, during a peaceful protest in Dhaka. The attack left 11 students injured, with two critically wounded and battling for life at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The incident occurred on January 12 when Adivasi students from both the Chittagong Hill Tracts and mainland Bangladesh, united under the banner of “Songkhubda Adivasi Chhatra Janata,” staged a demonstration in front of the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB). They protested the removal of the term “Adivasi” from the back cover of ninth and tenth-grade Bangla Grammar and Composition textbooks following pressure from a group of Islamic students.

The protesters were assaulted by members of “Students for Sovereignty,” led by prominent Islamic Chhatra Shibir figures including Mohammed Abu Sadiq Qayem, SM Farhad, and Mohammed Yakub Majumdar. Armed with cricket bats, wooden sticks, and other weapons, the attackers unleashed violence on the gathered students.

Among the injured are Rupaya Shresta Tanchongya, Ishaba; Renyoung Mro, Dhanajetra; Juwel Mark, Shaili and Tani Charing.

Tejang Chakma, Deputy Director of RRAG, voiced grave concerns over the attack, “The RRAG will raise this issue with the United Nations, the diplomatic community, and the Interim Government to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. The real face of Dr Mohammed Yunus is being revealed, as Adivasi students cannot even peacefully protest in Dhaka without facing violence.”