Rajshahi University Sees Student Arrests After Violent Campus Clashes
Police arrested two students from Rajshahi University. This happened after violent clashes between student groups on campus. Md Anas and Mahmudul Hasan were taken into custody on Monday night. Both are history students from the 2017–18 academic session.
Motihar police station arrested them. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Golam Kabir said they were arrested in an old case. This case is about alleged “terrorist activities” by the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League. The students are now getting medical treatment. They will later go to court and then jail.
The violence started from a complaint on Sunday night. A female student accused Mohsin Alam of threats after she rejected his proposal. Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul supported Mohsin in a meeting at the Proctor’s Office. They argued heatedly with the Proctor.
Another meeting took place on Monday afternoon. During this meeting, leaders like Salahuddin Ammar claimed Anas was linked to Bangladesh Chhatra League. They showed photos from his phone. Anas was then allegedly assaulted.
Later, Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul reportedly attacked Salahuddin Ammar at the RUCSU building. BM Nazmus Sakib was injured in this attack. Then, Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul went to the Central Library. They clashed with RUCSU and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders there. Both sides reportedly threw bricks and stones.
The three students took shelter inside the library reading room. Allegedly, RUCSU and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders entered the room. They assaulted the students inside. Other students trying to help also got injured. Reports say the attackers assaulted the injured students again on their way to the hospital.
University teachers, police, and proctorial staff finally controlled the situation. Following these events, RUCSU and Islami Chhatra Shibir held a protest. They demanded action against students linked to Bangladesh Chhatra League.
University officials later decided to arrest such students. They also formed a committee to investigate all assault claims. Meanwhile, other student groups spoke out. The Gonotantrik Chhatra Jote called the attacks “mob violence.” They demanded a fair investigation.
Chhatra Moncho also condemned the attacks. They said assaulting students inside the library was wrong. It created fear among ordinary students. This disrupted the normal study environment. They asked for an impartial inquiry. They also demanded safety for all students. Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also protested. They called for punishment for those involved in the assaults.
