Railway forms probe panel over RU student assault, station vandalism

Bangladesh Railway has formed a four-member committee to investigate the alleged assault of a Rajshahi University (RU) student and the subsequent vandalism at Rajshahi Railway Station.

Western Railway General Manager Ahmed Hossain Masum confirmed the development on Monday (September 21).

The committee comprises Divisional Commercial Officer Hasina Khatun, Divisional Medical Officer Dr Md Shakil Ahmed, Railway Nirapotta Bahini (RNB) Commandant Rezwanur Rahman and Divisional Signal and Telecommunication Engineer Ahmed Ishtiaq Zahur Tanim.

According to railway sources, a student of the university’s Department of Islamic History and Culture, Ayub, was allegedly assaulted at the station on Sunday night.
Following the incident, fellow students and other university students staged protests and vandalised parts of the station throughout the night.

Amid the blockade, railway authorities were forced to cancel the scheduled departure of the intercity Dhumketu Express. Train services on all routes from Rajshahi resumed normally on Monday morning, with trains departing according to schedule.

Four RNB members suspected of involvement in the incident were temporarily suspended on Sunday night.

Masum said the railway had launched an internal investigation and requested the divisional commissioner to form a separate committee. He also said he plans to meet university students and administrators at least once a month to discuss their concerns and help resolve issues between the university and the railway authorities.