Bangladesh Chhatra League

Bangladesh Chhatra League, simply Chhatra League (Bengali pronunciation: [বাংলাদেশ ছাত্রলীগ]), is the student wing of the Bangladesh Awami League, founded by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 4 January 1948. Historically involved in major movements such as the 1952 Language Movement, 1971 Liberation War and 1990 Anti-Authoritarian Movement, the organisation later became notorious for widespread violence, including killings, drugs dealing, extortion, and alleged forced prostitution.

The interim government of Bangladesh banned the organisation on 23 October 2024 under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, citing its alleged involvement in terrorism and human rights violations, including the suppression of protests during the 2024 July Revolution.

Saddam Hussain, the current president of BCL, is facing criminal investigations for his alleged involvement in the July massacre, with a warrant issued for his arrest. Most of the top members of the organisation, including its president and general secretary, went into hiding following the resignation and ousting of Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina as the Prime Minister of the country.