Students begin vacating halls as BAU closes indefinitely

Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) started leaving their residence halls early Monday following an indefinite closure of the university. Security forces including RAB, police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the campus amid escalating tensions.

The closure comes after nearly 200 teachers and officials were held hostage by protesting students throughout Sunday, leading to violent clashes when outsiders armed with homemade weapons attacked. At least 10 people, including journalist students, were injured in the melee.

The unrest began over demands from students of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, who have been campaigning for nearly a month to merge the two faculties’ degrees into a single combined degree. Despite a recent student vote facilitated by the university administration, no final decision was reached.

On Sunday afternoon, frustration peaked when students locked in the Vice-Chancellor and nearly 200 faculty members inside the Zainul Abedin auditorium. Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Mofidul Alam and District Police Superintendent Kazi Akhtar Ul Alam intervened to defuse the situation.

However, tensions escalated further that evening as a group of 250-300 outsiders wielding homemade weapons chased students near the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. The attackers broke the lock holding the faculty captive, allowing them to escape. At least 10 individuals were injured during the confrontation.

Muhammad Shibirul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Model Police Station, described the campus atmosphere as tense since Sunday evening. “Security forces, including RAB, police, army, and BGB, remain deployed to maintain order,” he said.

In an online emergency syndicate meeting held Sunday night, the university administration announced the indefinite closure of BAU. Proctor Professor Dr. Abdul Alim confirmed that all students have been instructed to vacate the halls by 9 AM Monday. The university will reopen once the situation returns to normal.

Tasfia Afrin, a student from July 36 Hall, expressed concern over the sudden closure, saying, “Our exams were ongoing. The unexpected shutdown will cause us significant hardship.”

Authorities continue efforts to restore calm and resolve the students’ demands.