Chhatra Dal demands Joypurhat DC's removal within 72 hours over missing Zia photo on banner

The district unit of Chhatra Dal has demanded the removal of the Joypurhat deputy commissioner (DC) within 72 hours, after the main banner of a National Revolution and Solidarity Day discussion meeting did not carry a photo of former president Ziaur Rahman, and a speaker’s remarks triggered chaos.

The demand was made in a press release on Saturday night (7 November). The release, posted on the Facebook account of district Chhatra Dal organising secretary Nayeem Islam, said the banner of the programme organised by the district administration for the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day did not carry Ziaur Rahman’s photo.

The release also said that although a speaker repeatedly addressed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation, the deputy commissioner remained silent. The Joypurhat district Chhatra Dal strongly condemned and protested the incident.

The statement demanded the immediate removal of the Joypurhat DC within 72 hours, warning that tougher programmes would be announced later if the demand was not met.

The statement was issued on the direction of district president AKM Golam Mahfuz and general secretary KM Shakil Hossain, and was signed by organising secretary Md. Nayeem Islam.

District Chhatra Dal president AKM Golam Mahfuz confirmed the press release over the phone.

The discussion meeting was held on Saturday morning at the Joypurhat District Shilpakala Academy, organised by the district administration. Anger and chaos first erupted over the absence of Ziaur Rahman’s photo on the main banner.

The programme began after the photo was added to the banner, but tension flared a second time over a speaker’s remarks.

Deputy Commissioner Md. Al-Mamun Mia expressed sorrow over the incident and apologised.

State Minister for Public Administration and Food Abdul Bari has ordered an investigation into the incident.