Teacher network demands punishment for Ammar, Shibir leaders over student torture

The University Teacher Network has demanded punishment for leaders of RUCSU and Islami Chhatra Shibir over allegations of student torture, taking the law into their own hands and creating a climate of fear on the Rajshahi University campus. The organisation submitted a memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam on Wednesday afternoon.

The statement said three university students were beaten in stages and seriously injured on July 27. Two of the injured students were later shown arrested in a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act and sent to jail. They are Md Anas of the History Department (2017-18 session) and Mahmudul Hasan of the Sanskrit Department (2021-22 session).

The statement alleged that the victims were attacked at the proctor's office, the RUCSU building, the central library and even taken out of an ambulance and beaten again. The Teacher Network described these incidents as alarming for the rule of law and the academic environment of the university.

The statement said any allegations against a student should be investigated and adjudicated by the university administration and law enforcement agencies — no student organisation or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. The culture of targeting individuals based on political identity and using force is contrary to democratic values, it added.

The Teacher Network claimed that since the RUCSU elections, allegations of various extra-jurisdictional activities have been raised against GS Salahuddin Ammar and his associates. The statement mentioned several incidents, including protests in 2025, locking administrative buildings, intimidating teachers and conducting so-called anti-drug drives with sticks.

The statement further said if anyone is involved in criminal activities from the past, it is the university administration's responsibility to investigate — not any student organisation's. Yet, allegations persist that the law has been repeatedly taken into their own hands, creating instability on campus.

The Teacher Network called for an impartial investigation into the recent incidents and action against the guilty under existing laws and university regulations. It also urged the administration to restore a safe, fear-free and education-friendly environment on campus.

Regarding the matter, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Alim said a probe committee has been formed and is collecting information. Action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.