JnU JCD allegedly assaults man before handing him over to police over suspected BCL links

Activists of the Jagannath University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) allegedly tied a man to an electric pole and assaulted him in front of the university’s main gate on Sunday over suspected links to the banned Chhatra League (BCL).

The man, who identified himself as a rickshaw puller, was later rescued and handed over to police. Officers identified him as Md Monir of Barguna.

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Witnesses said Monir shouted the slogan “Joy Bangla” while passing the university’s main entrance around noon. JCD activists then stopped him, tied him to a pole near the gate, and allegedly beat him before handing him over to police.

Mehedi Hasan Himel, convener of JnU JCD, said activists had been positioned on and around the campus since Saturday to protest a “lockdown” programme called by the Awami League, whose activities remain banned. “Around noon, a Chhatra League activist on a rickshaw saw us and shouted the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan. We stopped him to verify his identity and handed him over to police after confirming his affiliation,” he said.

Himel, however, denied allegations of assault. “The rickshaw puller was not beaten. He was detained and handed over to police for questioning,” he said.

Rabiul Islam, officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, confirmed that JCD activists handed over an individual to police custody. During preliminary questioning, the man identified himself as a rickshaw puller.

Asked about his alleged links to Chhatra League, the OC said the man did not admit to any involvement. “Police are currently making inquiries in his village to ascertain his background,” he added.