Classes, exams boycotted at DU; academic buildings locked

In protest against the death of Dhaka University student Shammo, a group of students has rejected the university administration’s decision to observe a half-day of mourning. Instead, they are enforcing a full-day class and exam boycott, along with a campus-wide strike.

The protest is being held under the banner "Students Against Terrorism" on Thursday, May 15. Leaders from opposition student groups, including the BNP-aligned Chhatra Dal and various left-leaning student organizations, were seen participating in the demonstration.

The protesting students have called on their peers to abstain from attending any classes or examinations today and to refrain from all administrative activities. They have also demanded the resignation of the university's Vice-Chancellor and Proctor.

As of around 12:45 PM on Thursday, academic buildings such as the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Social Sciences, and Faculty of Business Studies were found locked by students. Protesters also announced plans to lock the Faculty of Science and the Administrative Building.

Abid Ur Rahman Mishu, a student from the Department of Japanese Studies and Literature & Publication Secretary of the Chhatra Dal unit at Masterda Surya Sen Hall, stated, "we have two main demands: the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and the Proctor, and a safe campus. In addition, those responsible for Samya’s death must be arrested immediately and brought to justice."