BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday suspected that Dhaka University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader Shahriar Alam Shammo was killed for political reasons, as he raised his voice in favour of the national flag and anthem.

“Shammo held a position in the AF Rahman Hall unit of Chhatra Dal. What was the reason, and what wrong did Shammo commit to deserve such a fate? The police have arrested three vagabonds. We believe there is a political motive behind this murder,” he said at a human chain programme.

The BNP leader questioned, if there was no political motive, why would a well-groomed, gentle young man like Shammo be subjected to murder.

“Why would vagabonds kill him? Who were Shammo’s political enemies? We are getting a few clues. So, identify these political enemies and bring them to justice immediately. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire,” he warned, pointing at the government.

The Northern Region Students’ Forum organised the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding justice for the murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, who hailed from Sirajganj district.

Shammo, a student of Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research (IER) and the Literature and Publication Secretary of the Sir AF Rahman Hall unit of JCD, was stabbed to death near Suhrawardy Udyan around midnight on Tuesday.

Just days ago, Rizvi said Shammo posted on Facebook in defence of the national anthem during a protest in Shahbagh demanding its ban. “Could this be why he was targeted?” he asked.

“He posted in favour of the national anthem. He delivered a message against those protesting the anthem. Was this the reason for his killing?” he said.

The BNP leader drew parallels with the political killing of Abrar Fahad in 2019. “Just as Abrar was murdered for speaking against the neighbouring country’s aggression and water aggression, now Shammo has been killed for speaking in favour of the national anthem, the flag, or our independence. That’s why I said, there must be a political reason behind it.”

He urged the police to thoroughly investigate the murder of the JCD leader, expressing doubt over the arrest of the three vagabonds.

“Why are there still bodies lying on the campus? Why is there still blood on the campus? Why is there still bloodshed inside the university grounds? The associates of the Awami League are no longer in power,” he observed.

Rizvi also criticised the Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor for allegedly mistreating JCD leaders who had approached him seeking justice for Shammo’s murder.

“You became irritated, angry, and even addressed them disrespectfully. Why? Just because Shammo was from Chhatra Dal?” he questioned.

“We know your political ideology. You and your proctor follow a specific belief and do not favour those who represent nationalist views on campus. If university authorities act like gang leaders trying to impose their ideology, then it is no longer a university,” he said.

The BNP leader noted that a Vice-Chancellor may have personal beliefs, but when he becomes an administrator, he must act impartially. “If you try to enforce your ideology instead of ensuring peace, the campus will never be peaceful.”

He also urged the interim government to run the country wisely and inclusively. “Look in all directions. If you try to impose one ideology or promote one party, the people will eventually not spare you.”