SP office besieged in protest against 'racist behavior' in Rangpur

Students blocked roads and besieged the Superintendent of Police (SP) office, staging protests against allegations that a student was belittled and subjected to racist behavior by being called a "black boy" in Rangpur. At the same time, they put forward a five-point demand.

Students of Rangpur Police Lines School and College carried out this program on Tuesday (August 11) afternoon.

According to the students, an official holding the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police in charge of the institution mocked a student by calling him a "black boy," which triggered outrage among the student body. In protest, hundreds of students boycotted classes and brought out a procession around 2pm.

The procession blocked the city's main thoroughfare, halting traffic. Subsequently, chanting slogans such as "Who are you? Who am I?—Black boy, black boy," and "We Want Justice," the students entered the district superintendent of police's office, where they staged a sit-in and demonstration until 4pm.

The protesting students alleged that Additional Superintendent of Police Zainal Abedin misbehaves with teachers and parents while presenting himself as the sole authority of the institution. They also accused him of running the school in two shifts ignoring their opinions and turning the institution into a "commercial hub" by admitting excess students.

The students' five-point demands include: abolishing the two-shift system and introducing a single shift, dissolving the administration's "syndicate," ensuring high-quality food at reasonable prices in the canteen, regularly updating the institution's website, and making decisions in consultation with teachers and parents.

Later, senior police officials assured the students of discussions regarding their demands, prompting them to withdraw from the sit-in. However, the students warned of stricter agitations if their demands are not met.

When attempting to reach Rangpur Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mozammel Haque for his comments on the allegations, he did not speak to journalists. Subsequent attempts to contact him repeatedly by phone also went unanswered.