Dhaka University files case against protesting students

Dhaka University has filed a case with Shahbag police station against demonstrators who took part in a protest on the campus. Officer-in-Charge of Shahbag Police Station Abul Hasan told the Dhaka Tribune last night that the case was filed against 50 anonymous demonstrators for creating chaos and breaking the collapsible gate of the Arts Building on Wednesday. Students meanwhile continued to demonstrate throughout the day, asking the administration to take action against Bangladesh Chhatra League activists who allegedly attacked a demo on Monday. These students have been demanding that the university cancel its affiliation with seven colleges. On Monday, BCL activists allegedly swooped on students who were staging a sit-in in front of the vice-chancellor’s office. The assailants allegedly harassed some female protesters during the attack and picked up final year IT student Moshiur Rahman Sadik, a leader of the protests, while two campus-based journalists were assaulted while covering the incident.

Probe bodies formed

In the evening, the university authorities formed two separate probe bodies to investigate into the incidents in the last few days. Both committees, consisting of three members, were asked to submit reports immediately, DU proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani told the Dhaka Tribune. The first one, headed by Prof Zinat Huda of Sociology, will investigate the harassment of protesters. Another, headed by Assistant Proctor Prof Maksudur Rahman, will investigate Wednesday’s incident of confining the proctor in his office.

Duja says attack on reporters alarming

Dhaka University Journalists Association (Duja) in a statement expressed grave concern over the attack on campus based reporters while on duty. At least 10 Dhaka University based reporters have come under attack by BCL activists and university staff in less than two months, the statement read. The association demanded immediate punishment of the activists and university staff responsible.