Shibir attack triggers off protests at RUET

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) staged separate demonstrations on the campus protesting the attack and demanding steps by the authorities to ensure security by 'freeing the campus of Shibir'.

Additional police have been deployed in front of student dormitories and key points on the campus.

On Saturday night, around 70 Shibir activists led by its Rajshahi University (RU) unit president Mahbub Alam Salehi stormed into Shahid Shahidul Haque Hall and swooped on students, allegedly to retaliate display of anti-Shibir posters on walls.

At least 25 students including 10 JCD activists were injured in the attack, campus sources said.

Tension mounted on the RUET campus yesterday as motorcycle-mounted Shibir cadres, joined by party men from neighboring RU, moved around, campus sources said.

Salehi, a prime suspect in Prof Taher Ahmed murder case, staged a comeback to the RU campus through holding a rally by gathering outsiders with alleged tacit approval of the university authorities.

Prof Taher Ahmed of geology and mining department was killed on February 1 at his campus residence.

Meanwhile, second year students of 4th batch residing at Shahid Shahidul Haque Hall declared an indefinite boycott of classes and examinations protesting the attack.

Many of the resident students were seen leaving the dormitory fearing further attack as armed Shibir cadres 'took control' of the hall Sunday night.

Many students told this correspondent that the university authorities did neither take any step after the attack nor form any committee to probe the incident.

JCD RUET unit general secretary Sajib Barua told newsmen yesterday that Shibir "took control" of the university with blessings from the authorities.

The injured students who are under treatment at different hospitals and private clinics in Rajshahi city alleged that the university authorities did not inquire about their treatment.

Faisal, classmate of an injured student, said money is being collected from students for their treatment.

This correspondent despite repeated efforts failed to contact RUET Vice-chancellor Prof AFM Anwarul Haque on cell phone and land phone. Officials at the RUET public relations office also declined to make any comment on the campus situation.

Some sources on the campus claimed that the university might be closed if the situation deteriorates. A seven-day mid-semester vacation is scheduled to begin on August 17.