RU students besiege railway station over ‘assault’ on fellow student

Students of Rajshahi University (RU) besieged Rajshahi Railway Station and blocked rail tracks overnight in protest against the alleged assault of a fellow student, triggering tension, vandalism and disruption to train services.

The unrest began after Ayub Ali, a student of the university’s Department of Islamic History and Culture, was allegedly beaten at the station around 9:30pm Sunday (September 20).

He was later taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for treatment.

According to university sources, Ayub had gone to the station to see off his uncle when an argument broke out between two university students and railway security personnel. Ayub reportedly intervened and was subsequently assaulted.

As news of the incident spread, students gathered near Station Bazar around 11pm, set fire to the railway tracks and blocked the line. Later, a group entered the station office and vandalised windowpanes and chairs.

The unrest continued until around 12:45am.

The students later marched towards the station under the leadership of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar, demanding action against those responsible. The protests disrupted rail services, with the Dhaka-bound intercity Dhumketu Express, scheduled to leave at 11:20pm, reportedly unable to depart on time.

In response, railway authorities suspended four members of the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB) over suspected involvement in the incident. They are Md Arif Hossain, Md Rokon Uddin, Md Shafiqul Islam and Md Shahadat Hossain.

Western Zone Railway Director General Ahmed Hossain Masum said CCTV footage of the incident was being collected and shared with intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities.

He said further action would be taken against anyone found responsible.

The suspensions are an initial administrative measure, while a detailed investigation and further legal action are underway.