RUCSU VP threatens action against journalists over assault reports

Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) Vice President (VP) Mostakur Rahman Jahid has threatened action against journalists and media outlets over their coverage of the alleged assault on three students at the university, accusing some outlets of publishing "biased" reports and defending the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.

Speaking at a press conference at the RUCSU office on yesterday (July 28), Jahid alleged that several media organisations had presented the incident one-sidedly and claimed the reports favored the banned student organisation.

"We are collecting those reports. Action will be taken against those who published such news," he said.

Jahid also objected to media reports describing the incident as an "attack," insisting it should instead be termed a "resistance."

"They attacked us, and we resisted. Why are you so reluctant to use the word 'resistance'?" he questioned.

The RUCSU VP further rejected allegations that students had been forced out of the university's central library or that academic activities had been disrupted. He also claimed that a human chain held in front of the library was organised by activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal rather than by general students.

He also accused the media of overlooking an earlier attack at the RUCSU office.

"One person was beaten inside the RAKSU building, two others were attacked and one was left bleeding. But those incidents received no attention," he said.

Responding to a question, Jahid claimed that Anas, whom he described as the central figure in the previous day's incident, was affiliated with the banned Chhatra League. He added that RUCSU had also demanded action against individuals linked to Chhatra Dal who were allegedly involved in the violence.

At the same press conference, RUCSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar said language can shape public perception, questioning why the media was unwilling to describe the incident as an act of "resistance."

RUCSU also announced a six-point demand, calling for legal action against those accused of threatening a female student, the arrest and trial of those involved in attacks on the RUCSU building and students, an investigation into alleged administrative inaction, effective measures to prevent campus violence and political misuse, stronger campus security, and accountability for individuals accused of past abuses, including those allegedly affiliated with the banned Chhatra League.