Shibir leaders forcibly search RU hall room over ‘woman presence’ suspicion

Leaders affiliated with Islami Chhatra Shibir and hall council members at the University of Rajshahi allegedly entered a student room by force at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall over suspicions that a woman was present.

Following the incident, The hall authorities have temporarily suspended the residential status of three students and issued a show-cause notice to the hall council vice-president.

Additionally, an investigation committee has also been tasked with submitting a report within a set deadline.

According to a notice signed by the hall provost on Sunday (April 12), those affected include Assistant General Secretary Md. Israfil Hossain, Cultural Secretary Md. Sakib Zubayer, and resident student Md. Forkan Hafiz.

Hall administration and eyewitnesses said the incident took place around 4:30am when a group entered Room 121, claiming a woman was inside.

They allegedly forced open the door without permission and conducted a search while the occupants were asleep. Video recordings were also made during the incident.

However, no woman was found after the search, officials confirmed.

Students in the room said they were woken up by loud knocking before the group entered and began searching the room while repeatedly making the allegation.

Following an emergency meeting, the hall administration said a preliminary inquiry found no evidence supporting the claim that a woman was present.

University officials said any room search must be carried out with prior permission and in the presence of hall authorities, warning that unauthorised actions will not be tolerated.