Protest demands trial of Ammar, Shibir leaders at RU

Students have held a human chain demanding justice and protesting the assault on three students at Rajshahi University's central library, allegedly carried out by Rakshu General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar and leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir. The human chain was held on Wednesday (July 29) afternoon in front of the central library under the banner of 'Rajshahi University Students'.

Five demands were raised at the programme: cancellation of the attackers' student status and their arrest within 10 days, removal and expulsion of the Rakshu representatives involved, an impartial and swift investigation into the complaint filed at the proctor's office, an acceptable inquiry into the allegations concerning a female student and action against those found guilty, and effective measures by the administration to ensure campus security and a violence-free environment.

Shibli Ahmed, a student of the Department of Population Science and Human Resource Development, alleged that some student representatives and political organisations were prioritising their own political interests over those of general students, which was damaging the campus atmosphere.

Mahmudul Hasan, organising secretary of the Shakhha Chhatra Dal, said a Rakshu representative elected by the votes of general students was now accused of attacking fellow students with a shovel in a place like the library, which was highly concerning.

Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed claimed Ammar and Shibir leaders and activists had carried out a planned attack on students to create instability on campus. He also condemned the alleged threats made by Rakshu's VP against journalists and said Chhatra Dal would stand with students in their legitimate movements, as it had in the past.