4th anniversary today

On this day in 2002, the police stormed into the hall at dead of night, dragged students from the beds, verbally abused and assaulted them, leaving more than 50 students injured.

The police swooped on them as they were protesting against illegal stay of some Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders at the hall.

The police action had sparked massive protests by students over the next several days, leading to the closure of the university for 67 days.

A one-member judicial committee, headed by Justice Tafazzal Islam, was also formed to investigate the incident. The committee submitted its report with recommendations in September 2002, but no action has yet been taken against the persons responsible.

To mark the day, students of the hall will take out a silent procession on the campus at 10:00am.

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of the main opposition Awami League, will form a human chain at Aparajeyo Bangla at 10:00am. A photo exhibition and a discussion will also be held at Bat Tala, in front of the Arts Building.

Bangladesh Chhatra Union (BCU) will paint pictures on a boundary wall of Shamsunnahar Hall at 11:00am today in protest against the police atrocities.

In the evening, it will take out a candlelight procession on the campus. Two documentary films will also be screened at the hall gate.

The JSD-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League will observe the day as a 'Black Day'.

The Progressive Students' Alliance, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation, Bangladesh Chhatra Maitree and some other cultural organisations have also drawn up various programmes to mark the day.