1. **Documented Acts of Violence and Intimidation**: The Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling party’s student wing, has come under increased scrutiny amid reports of its members’ involvement in escalating incidents of sometimes grisly violence on university campuses. This includes the recent case of a student from Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) who was allegedly detained and tortured for extortion money by two Chhatra League activists.

2. **History of Violence and Abuses**: The BCL, formerly known as East Pakistan Student League, has been repeatedly accused of using torture, extortion, violence, forced prostitution, and killings to instill fear. Between 2009 and 2014, at least 33 people were killed and 1,500 seriously injured in attacks by BCL. From 2014 to 2018, the number of fatalities rose to 129, with 31 people killed in 2018 alone.

3. **Public Outcry and Media Reports**: Following attacks on student protesters in 2018, a petition was started to "Enlist Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) as a Terrorist Organization" on Change.org. In 2019, Dhaka Tribune, a prominent English-language daily in Bangladesh, labeled the organization as "the brand of shame". On May 26, 2022, after a series of attacks on dissident student groups, eight left-wing student organizations termed BCL a 'terrorist organization'.

4. **Recent Violent Incidents**: On July 15, 2024, during the Quota Reform Movement by general university students, BCL launched a massive attack on students, injuring over 400. That night, university halls were attacked by armed BCL members, and they even attacked wounded students at Dhaka Medical College.

5. **Sexual Violence Allegations**: Since the 1990s, numerous rape and sexual violence allegations have surfaced involving BCL leaders and activists. BCL members have used rape as a tool to suppress women and create an environment of fear. There are well-documented incidents where BCL leaders have celebrated their acts of sexual violence.

In light of these grave and persistent abuses, we call upon the Australian Government to take immediate action to designate the Bangladesh Chhatra League as a terrorist organization. This designation will acknowledge the suffering of countless victims and send a strong message that violence and terror will not be tolerated in our global community.

We, the undersigned, stand in solidarity with the victims and demand justice and accountability