Photo: Collected
A local leader of Jatiotabadi Jubodal, who was seen holding a machete in a viral video, has been expelled for attacking students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) yesterday (18 February). Nurul Islam Sohail, office secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the JCD, confirmed the expulsion in a press release last night.
The expelled leader is Mahbubur Rahman, vice president of the Daulatpur Thana unit of the Jubodal's Khulna district branch. Photos and videos of him holding a machete during the clash at KUET went viral on social media. The JCD release said he was expelled from the party for "engaging in activities contrary to party discipline."
"The party will not take responsibility for any wrongdoing by the expelled member. All leaders and activists at every level of the Jubodal have been instructed to sever organisational ties with him," reads the release.
Earlier, a clash erupted between the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) students and Jatiotabadi Chatradal at the campus area over the demand to ban student politics on campus.
According to eyewitnesses, a campaign by the Jatiotabadi Chatradal, student body of the BNP, started on campus this morning, which led to protests by a group of students who opposed student politics.
Later, the two groups had a confrontation in front of the campus's central Jame Mosque, escalating into a clash. They also hurled bricks amid a chase and counter-chase. At least 30 people were reportedly injured during the clash.
Later that night, students held a press briefing, demanding a complete ban on student politics at KUET, punishment for those who attacked the students, and the resignation of the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, and the director of Student Welfare, among five key demands.
They issued an ultimatum to meet their demands by 1pm today (19 February) and announced that all classes and exams at KUET would remain suspended until their demands are met.
Messenger/JRTarek
