Chhatra League Politics Ruins Nazmul’s Life, Now on the Run with Family

Being involved in Chhatra League politics has turned into a nightmare for Mohammad Nazmul Hossain, a resident of Mirpur-1 in Dhaka. Political vengeance, brutal violence, and a series of false criminal charges have forced him into hiding along with his wife, newborn child, and other family members.

Nazmul’s grandmother, Lakkhi Begum, shared that her grandson joined Bangladesh Chhatra League in 2019 through student politics. Due to his dedication and commitment, he was elected General Secretary of Shah Ali Thana Chhatra League in 2022. Known in the area as a hardworking and principled leader, Nazmul was actively involved in various social and political initiatives.

In July-August 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement, Nazmul played a proactive role in countering alleged anti-state militant activities. This reportedly drew fierce retaliation from opposition political groups.

On August 5, as political unrest peaked across the country, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left for India. What followed was a wave of violence targeting Awami League leaders and affiliates. Nazmul and his family also came under attack during this turmoil.

Upon receiving intelligence about a planned assassination, Nazmul sent his pregnant wife Sadia Akter Brishti to her parents’ home for safety, while he took shelter at a friend’s residence. His grandmother and younger brother also had to flee to a relative’s house.

On August 6, a group of armed assailants attacked Nazmul’s business premises. The assault was extremely violent, involving knives, iron rods, machetes, and other deadly weapons. Nazmul’s business partner, Shubhra Ghosh, was allegedly killed in the attack, according to family sources. However, when the family attempted to file a general diary (GD) with the local police on August 19, authorities reportedly refused to register the complaint.

The trauma didn’t end there. Two separate criminal cases were later filed against Mohammad Nazmul Hossain, both allegedly rooted in political vengeance. One case was filed by Mirpur Model Police Station (Case No. 956, dated August 15, 2024), accusing him of murder and orchestrated violence. This case names 54 individuals and includes 250–300 unidentified accused persons.

The second case was filed by a local religious leader, Mufti Abdul Hasan, at Shah Ali Police Station (Case No. 852, dated August 12, 2024). This case includes charges of terrorist activities, attempted murder, and anti-state operations, implicating 22 named and around 15–20 unnamed individuals.

Nazmul’s family claims both cases are politically motivated and lack any credible evidence. They argue that he has been specifically targeted due to his affiliation with Chhatra League. Instead of receiving protection, Nazmul has reportedly faced harassment and threats from certain elements within the law enforcement agencies. The family even alleges threats of abduction and extrajudicial killing.

With no guarantee of safety and facing constant fear, Nazmul ultimately decided to leave the country. He is now reportedly living abroad and is in the process of seeking refugee status.