JU “Expired” Student Leaders Accused of Seizing Journalist’s Phone, Deleting Video

September 11, 2025 ‒ Bangladesh ‒

Two leaders associated with Chhatra Dal have been accused of forcibly taking a journalist’s mobile phone and deleting a video that captured them carrying ballot boxes during the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union elections. The incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the Election Commission office in the Senate Building.

The accused are Zahir Uddin Muhammad Babar (Convener) and Mashiur Rahman Rozen (Joint Convener). Both are former students, Babar from the 2009-10 batch and Rozen from the 2010-11 batch, and were reportedly under notice, barring them from campus during the polls.

Reporter Osman Sardar Sainik, a correspondent for the daily Jaijaidin, says he filmed election officials transporting ballot boxes alongside the two leaders. When Rozen saw him recording, he allegedly snatched the phone and deleted the video. After the deletion, when Sainik identified himself as a journalist, Rozen stopped him from making further recordings.

Babar has denied the allegations, stating he does not know what video is being referred to and insisting “nothing like that happened.” He said he will look into the matter.

A member of the Jucsu Election Commission, Professor Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar, said any written complaint filed will be investigated and appropriate action will follow.

For context, ahead of the election, the acting registrar issued a directive preventing former students or outsiders from entering residential halls or campus grounds from midday Wednesday until Friday.

References – 

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/391195/expired-chhatra-dal-leaders-seize-journalist%E2%80%99s