Accusation against Shibir of using children to fill out supporter forms

In Jessore, allegations have surfaced that young students were forced to fill out supporter forms for Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Parents alleged that the incident took place with the assistance of Monirul Islam, principal of Progoti Adarsha Madrasa.

The incident occurred around 11 am on Thursday (September 18) at the madrasa in Sector 7 of New Town, Jessore. Parents said that under the initiative of recruiting new Shibir members, a cultural event was arranged at Progoti Madrasa.

Under the cover of the event, children were allegedly compelled to fill out Shibir supporter forms.

Ayan Bin Habib, a third-grade student at Progoti Madrasa, said he knew nothing about politics or Shibir. “Some people came, took family information from me, and made me sign a paper,” he said.

Ayan’s father, Habibur Rahman, executive member of Sojag Jessore, said, “They are trying to make my son a Shibir supporter through complete deception. At this age, he does not understand politics. I admitted him to madrasa for studies, but they are dragging him into politics. I also accuse the principal of being involved.”

When contacted, Islami Chhatra Shibir Jessore district president Ahmad Ibrahim Shamim told the media, “There is no organizational rule to make third-grade students fill out forms. We do not know at this moment why or by whom it was done.”

Multiple attempts to reach Madrasa Principal Monirul Islam by phone went unanswered. However, Madrasa Vice Principal Helal Al Mamun admitted that Shibir had organized a cultural program at their institution. He said Shibir leaders made students fill out the forms during that program. He also mentioned that leaders including Zubair Hossain and Rizwan Hasan were present at the event.

Meanwhile, the incident sparked reactions on social media. Anindya Islam Amit, organizing secretary of BNP’s Khulna division, posted a photo on Facebook and wrote: “What is going on? What kind of politics is this?”