'Gupto' remark in Chattogram ignites fiery debate in Parliament

The recent clash between Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Islami Chhatra Shibir at Chattogram Government City College over the use of the word 'gupto' (secret) has sparked a heated debate in the National Parliament, leading to a tense exchange between treasury and opposition members.

During the discussion on the motion of thanks on the president's speech on Wednesday, April 22, ruling party MP Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan brought up the Chattogram incident. He alleged that Shibir attacked Chhatra Dal activists for writing the word 'gupto' on a wall.

"What was Chhatra Dal's crime? They only said 'gupto', they wrote 'gupto'. For that very word, they attacked Chhatra Dal and struck a blow at Bangladesh's democracy," Bhuiyan said . He accused the opposition of engaging in a planned conspiracy to destabilise the newly formed government and warned, "Those who voted for us will not suck their thumbs and sit idle. They will protest".

Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman immediately protested Bhuiyan's remarks, describing them as a "threat". He demanded that the "threatening language" be expunged from the parliamentary record. "An MP stood in parliament and spoke in a threatening tone. 'The people will not remain silent' — what does that mean? Is he inciting the people towards anarchy? This is not parliamentary behaviour," Dr. Shafiqur Rahman said.

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed intervened, stating that the remarks would be reviewed and any unparliamentary words removed from the record . He appealed to members to consider the statement as a political one.

Later, Jamaat MP Mizanur Rahman (Chapainawabganj-2) drew the home minister's attention to the matter, urging that a proper investigation be conducted without shifting blame onto any particular party. Earlier, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that he had received initial reports but emphasised that a thorough probe was needed before pointing fingers.

BNP MP AKM Selim Reza Habib (Pabna-2) also criticised the opposition, accusing them of endangering democracy through intolerance and aggressive behaviour. "Don't just oppose for the sake of opposition. Come, let us establish democracy, ensure voting rights, and protect the country's independence and sovereignty," he said.

The heated exchange in parliament reflects the growing political tensions on the ground, where the word 'gupto' has become a sharp political weapon. According to a report by The Daily Star Bangla, the term is now primarily used to refer to Islami Chhatra Shibir, with critics accusing its members of hiding their political identity while previously being involved in student politics under different banners.

The origin of the latest clash was a graffiti on the City College campus where Shibir activists had written "Student Politics and a Chhatra League-free Campus". Chhatra Dal later defaced it, striking out the word 'Student' and writing 'Gupto' above it . This led to online provocations, followed by a physical clash on Tuesday that left at least 10 people injured . Police have since been deployed on the campus.