On October 23, the government of Bangladesh made a historic announcement, prohibiting the Awami League’s student wing, the Student League (Chhatra League), and designating it a terrorist organization, a move that reflects the culmination of escalating demands from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, which has significantly gained momentum in the wake of the Awami League government’s recent fall. This decisive action comes amid widespread public outcry and increasing pressure from various student factions and civil society groups, who have long criticized the Chhatra League for its involvement in violent incidents and criminal activities on campuses, including allegations of extortion, abuse, and intimidation that have fostered a climate of fear among students. The government’s decision marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Bangladesh, as it seeks to address rampant issues of campus violence and restore a sense of safety and justice for students, aligning with the broader demands for accountability and reform that have emerged following the political upheaval.
Background Context:
The Chhatra League, established on January 4, 1948, at Dhaka University, has historically played a crucial role in the Bengali rights movement and the Liberation War. Initially celebrated for its contributions to the struggle for independence, the organization has faced severe criticism in recent years due to internal divisions and allegations of violence, extortion, and other criminal activities. Its evolution from a student organization advocating for rights to one perceived as a violent entity has marked a significant shift in its public perception.
The fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, has amplified calls from various political factions and student leaders to classify the Chhatra League as a terrorist organization. The government’s declaration is grounded in accusations that the organization has been involved in murder, torture, sexual harassment, and various forms of criminal behavior over the last 15 years, during which many perceived an increasingly authoritarian regime.
Key Events Leading to the Ban
- Public Outcry for Justice:
The catalyst for the ban was a surge of public outrage driven by a series of violent incidents and student abuse associated with the Chhatra League, culminating in demands for accountability and reform. A pivotal moment occurred with the brutal murder of Abrar Fahad, a student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), in October 2019; his tragic death sparked nationwide protests that underscored the urgent need for justice and safety on campuses. This incident, along with numerous other violent occurrences involving Chhatra League members, significantly tarnished the organization’s image and intensified scrutiny of its role in perpetuating a culture of fear and impunity within educational institutions. As students and civil society rallied for change, the outcry became a clarion call for systemic reforms, highlighting the necessity for protective measures and a safer academic environment.
- Government’s Position:
In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs underscored the government’s stance that the Chhatra League’s involvement in numerous terrorist acts and their ongoing engagement in anti-state conspiracies necessitated their prohibition. Citing Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, which empowers the government to outlaw organizations deemed detrimental to national security, the ministry framed this decision as a crucial step toward restoring order and safety in educational institutions. The statement articulated a clear commitment to combat the pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation that had gripped campuses, asserting that such actions were essential to safeguard the rights and well-being of students and foster a more conducive learning environment. By taking this decisive action, the government aimed to reestablish a sense of security and accountability, addressing the long-standing grievances of the student body and the public at large.
- Anti-Discrimination Movement’s Role:
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement emerged as a crucial force in advocating for the ban on the Chhatra League, employing strategic tactics to amplify their demands. By establishing a firm deadline for the government’s response, the movement intensified its pressure, culminating in a high-profile joint press conference at the Central Shaheed Minar. During this event, leaders articulated the pervasive climate of fear and violence perpetuated by the Chhatra League, effectively framing their narrative around student safety and rights. Their organized protests garnered substantial media coverage, which not only amplified their message but also brought national attention to the urgent need for reform within campus environments. Through a combination of grassroots mobilization and strategic media engagement, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement successfully galvanized public sentiment and significantly influenced the government’s decision, marking a pivotal shift in the discourse surrounding student governance and rights in Bangladesh.
- Internal Struggles and Public Sentiment:
The Chhatra League’s internal struggles have profoundly impacted its relationship with the student body, marked by controversies that include the expulsion of prominent leaders for extortion and the tragic murders of student leaders embroiled in factional conflicts. These incidents not only exposed the organization’s systemic issues of accountability and governance but also fueled a growing sense of disillusionment among students. As frustrations mounted, a wave of protests and social media campaigns emerged, demanding justice for victims of Chhatra League-related violence and advocating for a complete overhaul of student governance structures. This grassroots mobilization reflected a broader call for change, highlighting the urgent need for a safe and equitable academic environment, and underscoring the sentiment that the organization had strayed far from its original mission of serving the student community. The public outcry for justice and reform resonated widely, ultimately contributing to the mounting pressure that led to the government’s decisive action against the Chhatra League.
Responses to the Ban
Following the government’s announcement, the Chhatra League issued a statement through media channels, denouncing the decision as illegal and unconstitutional. They claim that this prohibition is politically motivated, undermining the organization’s historical contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-political landscape. The leadership asserted that the ban will not only affect their members but also disrupt the democratic engagement of students in the country.
Conversely, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement celebrated the ban as a significant victory for student rights and safety on campuses. The movement’s spokesperson, Hasanat Abdullah, emphasized that the Chhatra League had become synonymous with violence, asserting that the government had no choice but to act upon overwhelming public pressure for accountability. The victory was seen as a testament to the power of collective student activism and the potential for significant change in student politics.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The decision to ban the Chhatra League has sparked widespread celebrations among supporters of the Anti-Discrimination Movement. Many students and civil society members view this as a turning point in student politics in Bangladesh, reflecting a broader desire for reform and accountability within student organizations. However, there are concerns about the potential repercussions of this move, particularly regarding the Awami League’s diminished influence following recent upheavals.
Critics worry that this ban might lead to further polarization in the political landscape, as the Chhatra League has historically been a powerful entity within the Awami League’s political structure. The implications for future student politics and the governance of educational institutions remain uncertain. As the country transitions through this pivotal moment, it is crucial to monitor how the ban influences political dynamics and student activism moving forward.

Parades and gatherings
As the Chhatra League was banned, the anti-discrimination student movement held a rally and rally. At around 9:30 pm on Wednesday night, they held a rally starting from the residence of the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and marching towards the Raju sculpture.
Earlier, they had planned to hold a sit-in program in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s residence demanding ban on Chhatra League. Around 9:20 PM, students started gathering in the front yard of the Vice Chancellor’s residence. Later on getting the news that Chhatra League was banned, they took out a joyous procession.
Meanwhile, students of various universities have expressed excitement as the government has issued a notification banning the Chhatra League. After the official announcement, a procession was held at Dhaka University, where students expressed their joy.
Incidentally, Bangladesh Chhatra League was founded on 4th January 1948 in the assembly hall of Fazlul Haque Hall of Dhaka University. At the time of its establishment it was known as East Pakistan Chhatra League. Later, after the war of independence in 1971, it was known as Bangladesh Chhatra League. Since its establishment, Chhatra League has played a glorious role in language movement, mass uprising of 1969 and liberation war of 1971. However, the organization has been criticized for its controversial activities at various times after independence. Especially during the last 15 years of rule of Awami League, the reckless behavior of Chhatra League and various terrorist activities have put Awami League in trouble.
Today’s marches and rallies signal a new turning point in the political scenario of the country, which can be marked as an important chapter in the history of the student movement.
In clusion, The ban on the Chhatra League marks a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s political and educational landscape, symbolizing a crackdown on violence and an assertion of student rights. As the country grapples with these changes, the implications for student politics, the Awami League, and future governance remain to be seen. The government’s decision, influenced by public demand for justice and accountability, underscores the growing awareness and activism among the youth of Bangladesh. This historic decision could pave the way for a new era of student representation and governance, highlighting the importance of accountability and the rule of law in shaping a more equitable society.