Blaming the administration for its failure to address a recent spate of violence that saw unidentified attackers swoop on Chittagong University (CU) students across parts of the port city in recent days, students held a protest rally and sit-in programme on Thursday, demanding the resignation of the university's proctorial body.
Around 11:00am, a procession left from the university's Zero Point, moving along Katal Pahar Road and coming to a stop near the proctor's office.
During the rally, students chanted slogans demanding the proctor's resignation.
Mosharaful Haque Rakib, the Publicity and Publication Secretary of the CU unit of the 'Biplobi Chhatro Moitree', said, "The administration is not taking responsibility for disgraceful recent incidents. Instead, it is trying to divert attention away from the issue. We have united to demand justice and punishment for the culprits. A full list of the injured must be published, and the administration must accept its failure."
Zakir, the organisation's president stated, "While the administration has shown concern for students admitted to private hospitals, those in government hospitals are not receiving proper treatment."
Zakir further added, "After the incident, many students from the Gate No. 2 area have left their residences. Their safety must be ensured. Proper medical treatment should be arranged for the injured. For those without accommodation, the administration must provide temporary housing."
The seven demands presented at the rally include:
- Publish a full list of injured students and ensure complete medical treatment at the university's expense
- Provide temporary housing and retrieve belongings for students who feel unsafe
- Conduct a fair investigation and punish those responsible for assaulting students, while ensuring no innocent locals are harassed
- Ensure safety of students
- Form a coordination committee with locals and hold meetings to avoid further conflict
- Publish and implement a roadmap for a safe campus based on syndicate decisions
- The proctorial body must publicly apologize and resign
From Saturday night to late into Sunday, multiple clashes occurred between university students and unidentified attackers.
On Sunday morning, top university officials, including the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, were attacked while attempting to mediate.
Hundreds, including students and teachers, were injured in these events.
The university filed a case on Tuesday, naming 98 individuals and accusing around 1,000 unidentified persons.
Additionally, a general diary (GD) was filed regarding the looting of weapons from the university's security office.
So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, confirmed Officer-in-Charge of Hathazari Model Police Station, Abu Kawsar Mahmud Hossain.
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