From accused in controversial cases to top leadership: Khadija’s rise in JNU Chhatra Dal

PNN News Desk, Dhaka:

After being arrested under the Digital Security Act and spending considerable time in jail, Jagannath University student Khadijatul Kubra has been given an important role in the nationalist student organization Chhatra Dal. She has been appointed as the joint convener of the Jagannath University branch.

A press release signed by central office secretary Jahangir Alam announced the decision on Sunday. The release stated that the appointment was in recognition of her organizational responsibility, active role, and dedication to the party. The appointment was approved by the organization’s president Rakibul Islam Rakib and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.

Reacting to her new role, Khadijatul Kubra said, “Chhatra Dal has worked the most for students both before and after August 5. As a female activist, the honor given to me inspires me further. I believe I can contribute positively alongside them.”

Khadija, a student of the 2019–20 Political Science batch, was in the spotlight for a long time due to her arrest under the Digital Security Act. In October 2020, two cases were filed against her for allegedly spreading anti-government statements online and damaging the state’s image. In 2022, the court issued an arrest warrant after accepting the charge sheet, and she was arrested on September 17, 2022. After almost 14 months in jail, she was released on bail on November 20, 2023.

Although previously an accused in a controversial case, Khadija’s post-release political activity has sparked renewed discussion. Many party leaders believe her leadership will bring fresh dynamism to the Chhatra Dal branch at Jagannath University.