JCD seeks publicity of violence

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders informed the media seeking coverage of an arson its activists allegedly committed in Gulistan of Dhaka today during the student front’s maiden hartal under its newly formed central committee.

In face of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s frustration with the party activists failing to step up anti-government movement, BNP insiders said JCD’s efforts for hartal and violence during the agitation is aimed to please the party high-ups.

Around 9:30am today, a group of JCD activists allegedly set fire to a bus near Gulap Shah Mazar in Gulistan, police said. No one was reported injured in the incident.

Soon afterwards, an activist of Chhatra Dal rang up The Daily Star claiming responsibility for the arson and seeking coverage of the incident. “We have just set the bus on fire. Brother, please publish the report at your online news portal.”

Not only the media, the JCD activists badger BNP high-ups “frequently” informing them of the violence committed by them seeking “praise for their activities.”

“Sometimes we are compelled to switch off our mobile phone. This is very disturbing,” a BNP leader told The Daily Star seeking anonymity. “They inform the high-ups of their deeds to draw attention to their activity and please the leaders.”

The JCD is observing a hartal (shutdown) today for Dhaka and 13 other adjoining districts protesting the confinement of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

This is the first hartal of the BNP’s student wing under its newly formed central committee which was formed in October last year. The committee formation was followed by clashes between post holders and deprived leaders.