RU Sangskritik Jote protests Shibir vandalism

Campus sources said that at around 4pm, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) activists and police obstructed SSJ activists when they went to Martyred Memorial Archive premises to hold a scheduled cultural programme.

Being barred, the cultural activists cancelled their scheduled programme and staged a demonstration on the campus, protesting the incident.

Earlier, Shibur activists swooped on the venue at about noon, occupied the podium and took away loud speakers.

The SSJ had taken taking written permission from TSCC authorities on December 10 for the two-day programme scheduled for December 16 and 17 to observe the Victory Day.

On December 15, TSCC authorities sent a letter to SSJ president stating that Bikalpa Sangskritik Sangha (BSS), a cultural organisation of Islamic Chhatra Shibir, would hold their functions at the venue on December 16 and 17.

The letter however mentioned that SSJ could hold their cultural function at any other place on the campus, sources said.

A TSCC source claimed that the authorities had allowed BSS to hold its programme on the venue following threats by ICS cadres.

At a rally, in front of VC houses, SSJ protested the Shibir vandalism. Speakers urged the RU authorities to stop 'Shibir terrorism' on the campus.

They said Shibit wants to ban all progressive cultural activities on the campus and demanded immediate removal of TSCC director Abdur Rahman Siddiqi.

They also urged students and other progressive organisations on the campus to launch agitation against such activities by Shibir.

They announced that they would hold sit-in on the campus today (Monday) protesting the vandalism.

TSCC Director Abdur Rahman Siddiqi did not make any comment when contacted over telephone.

Progressive Teachers Society, Bangladesh Chhatra League, Samajtrantrik Chhatra Front, RU Drama Group, Udichi, Gonoshilpi Sangstha and other cultural organisations also condemned the incident and protested the Shibir vandalism.