RU forms probe committee over assault on students by Ammar and Shibir leaders

The Rajshahi University (RU) administration has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the attack and assault on students by RU Central Students' Union (Rakshu) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar and leaders of the Islami Chhatra Shibir. A press release from the university's public relations department on Tuesday said the committee, headed by Professor Rezaul Karim of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has been asked to submit a report quickly, including recommendations for identifying those responsible and taking necessary action.

Meanwhile, police have shown two injured students—Md Anas and Mahmudul Hasan—as arrested in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police said they were identified as accused in the investigation of a case filed with Shah Makhdum Police Station. They are being prepared to be sent to jail after treatment.

According to university sources, the incident was triggered by allegations of a student making unwanted advances and threatening a female student. Later, during a meeting at the proctor's office, tensions escalated when Rakshu leaders claimed Anas was a Chhatra League activist and showed photos on his phone with banned Chhatra League leaders. He was subsequently assaulted. In the afternoon, clashes spread between the two sides near the Rakshu building and the central library. Videos circulating on social media showed Rakshu and Shibir leaders and activists entering the reading room and beating students with sticks, rods, bamboo and belts. The injured were also allegedly attacked while being taken to hospital.