Violent Clashes Erupt at Rajshahi University, Two Students Arrested
Two students were arrested after violent clashes broke out between student groups at Rajshahi University on Monday. The intense confrontation involved members of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) and Islami Chhatra Shibir. It resulted in injuries and disruptions on campus.
The conflict began after a female student filed a complaint on Sunday night. She accused Mohsin Alam of the Sanskrit Department of harassing her. He had proposed a relationship which she rejected. Mohsin Alam then threatened her.
The university proctor, Professor Mahbubur Rahman, held a meeting about this complaint. Students Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul Hasan represented Mohsin Alam. They argued with the proctor.
On Monday, Professor Rahman held another meeting. During this meeting, RUCSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar accused Anas of being a member of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). RUCSU leaders searched Anas’s mobile phone. They found pictures of him with BCL leaders. Salahuddin Ammar and RUCSU Assistant General Secretary SM Salman Sabbir then assaulted Anas.
Later, Anas, Hasib, Mahmudul, and some others reportedly attacked Salahuddin Ammar and RUCSU Information Secretary BM Nazmus Sakib. This happened at the RUCSU building. Nazmus Sakib was injured.
After this, Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul went to the Central Library. Leaders from RUCSU and Chhatra Shibir soon arrived there. An argument started between the two groups. They threw bricks and stones. Anas, Hasib, and Mahmudul ran inside the library’s reading room.
Witnesses said the proctor entered the reading room to calm the situation. However, RUCSU and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders then entered. They severely beat Anas, Mahmudul, and Hasib. They used wood, bamboo, iron rods, belts, and sticks. Other students trying to help were also attacked.
Police and university officials brought the situation under control. Seriously injured Mahmudul Hasan was kicked and dragged while being taken to the hospital. Chhatra Shibir members chanted slogans against Chhatra League.
Proctor Mahbubur Rahman confirmed two people, Anas and Hasan, were arrested. This was based on allegations of their links to Chhatra League. The university will form an investigation committee soon. They will find those responsible and punish them, he said.
Video footage showed Salahuddin Ammar carrying a shovel and beating a person inside the library. Ammar stated that RUCSU demanded Anas be handed to police. He claimed RUCSU was attacked first.
Mehedi Hasan, General Secretary of Rajshahi University Chhatra Shibir, denied his group’s involvement in the attack. However, videos show Shibir-backed RUCSU leaders and a Shibir coordinator taking part.
Professor Abdul Alim, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, called the day’s events “highly condemnable.” He promised a quick investigation and punishment for those found guilty.
