CoU students protest, demand proctor's resignation

Students of Comilla University were attacked by the police while blocking the Dhaka-Chattogram highway for the fifth day as part of the 'Bangla Blockade' program, which demands the removal of discriminatory quotas in all job grades and competitive examinations. In response, the students protested to demand justice for the attack and called for the resignation of the proctorial body due to administrative inefficiency.

On Friday (July 12), at 4:30 pm, the protest procession began at the main gate of the university, passed by the vice-chancellor's bungalow, circled the Ansar camp, and ended at Gol Chattar.

When the procession reached the Ansar Camp, the students sang the national anthem and observed a minute's silence for the protestors who had been attacked by the police. After the moment of silence, they declared Ansar Camp Mor as "Student Movement Square." Javed Raihan, the university correspondent of Pratidiner Bangladesh and Joint General Secretary of the University Press Club, put up the nameplate along with other students.

After that, the students planted two trees as a memorial at the square. They demanded justice for those involved in the attack and questioned the role of the Proctoral Body in the incident. Additionally, the protesting students called for the resignation of the Proctoral Body within 48 hours. They then entered the university and began chanting slogans at Gol Chattar.

Mohammad Saqib Hossain, a law student and one of the protestors, stated, "Our protest was reasonable. We were heading towards the highway to block it when we were attacked, baton-charged, and tear-gassed. Today, we will demonstrate the power of students. We will strengthen this movement."

Earlier on July 11, police wielded batons against students near the Ansar camp next to the university. In retaliation, students threw bricks and stones. Subsequently, police fired tear gas, tear shells, and blank bullets. As a result, at least 20 students, including three journalists, were injured.