Administration to file case over attack on journalists at RU

The university administration has announced it will file a case over the attack on journalists and students at Rajshahi University. Journalists working at the university withdrew from their protest programme late on Sunday night after receiving assurances that a case would be filed by Monday. However, they remain firm on several demands, including the arrest of those involved in the attack, cancellation of studentship and the resignation of concerned administrative officials.

The attack on journalists and students took place in front of the university's Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall around 8:30pm on Sunday. Eyewitnesses and the injured alleged that Chhatra Dal leaders and activists were involved in the attack. At least 10 people, including four journalists, were injured.

The injured journalists are Zahidul Islam, university correspondent of Dainik Agamir Somoy; Nur Ahsan of The Daily Star; Arif Uzzaman of Bdnews24.com; and Mainul Islam of Dainik Samakal. They were first taken to the university's medical centre. Later, around 10pm, they were sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

In protest of the attack, journalists began a sit-in programme in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall that night, demanding a case, arrests and punitive action against those involved. After 10pm, university Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Abdul Alim, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Mamunur Rashid and other administrative officials went there.

In discussions with the journalists, the administration announced it would file a case. Later, around 1:15am, the journalists withdrew from the programme. They said the next programme will be taken if the case is not filed within the stipulated time.

The journalists' demands include filing a case by the university administration against those involved in the attack and ensuring their arrest by 12pm on Monday. They also demanded cancellation of studentship of any current students among the accused and cancellation of certificates of those who have completed their studies. The journalists also demanded that accused persons who are not current students of the university be banned from entering the campus.

Condemning the incident, university Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Mamunur Rashid said late on Sunday that the way journalists and students of the university were attacked is highly condemnable. Following the journalists' demands, a case will be filed today on the initiative of the hall administration. The other demands will also be implemented following due process.

According to eyewitnesses and injured journalists, at least 10 Chhatra Dal leaders and activists took part in the attack. Among the accused are university unit Chhatra Dal vice president M Ahsan Habib, joint general secretary Hasibul Islam, vice president Shariful Islam and assistant office secretary Shahriar Alam.

Chhatra Dal committee to investigate allegations
Chhatra Dal's central committee has formed a two-member committee to investigate the allegations of attack on journalists. The committee has been asked to investigate and submit a written report to the central committee within 24 hours.

The information was conveyed in a press release signed by Chhatra Dal central committee office secretary (vice president rank) Jahangir Alam late on Sunday. The press release said the committee was formed to investigate after receiving allegations of an "unwanted incident" on the Rajshahi University campus.

Chhatra Dal central committee vice presidents A B M Ejazul Kabir Ruel and Manzurul Alam were included in the committee. The press release said the committee was formed on the instructions of Chhatra Dal president Rakibul Islam and general secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir.