Protesters under the banner of "Students Against Terrorism" demanding justice for the Shammo murder case, and the resignation of Dhaka University's vice-chancellor and proctor, held a rally on Thursday.
Protesters later surrounded the Shahbagh police station to press for their demand to ensure justice.
The rally was held in front of Aparajeyo Bangla around 5:50pm on Thursday, and the surrounding incident was around 6:30pm.
Protest rally
The “Students Against Terrorism” platform comprised Chhatra Dal and leftist student organizations coalition, Gonotantrik Chhatra Jot, and general students.
Shammo was stabbed to death late Tuesday night at Suhrawardy Udyan. On Wednesday, students held demonstrations and torch processions demanding justice for his murder.
Protesters chanted slogans like “Proctor or Sanda? Sanda Sanda”, from the rally in the afternoon.
The protesters alleged university administration of meeting certain groups' demands but not listening to their demands. Protesters also alleged that the safety situation in the campus is constantly declining.
Protesters demanded the safety of the students along with the resignation of DU VC and the proctor, after taking responsibility for the murder incidents of Shammo and Tofazzal.
Dhaka University authorities have formed a seven-member investigation committee headed by the Faculty of Arts Dean Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan to investigate the incident and submit a report.
Siddiqur Rahman Khan, convener of the investigation committee and dean of the Arts Faculty, told Dhaka Tribune that the committee had its first meeting.
In the meeting, decisions were made to include a Supreme Court barrister. A proctorial team was sent to Shahbagh police station, and eyewitnesses of the event were called to submit their statements.
Additionally, the committee published a general circular for collecting any information on the incident.
"The committees' second meeting is scheduled on May 18," stated Siddiqur.
Surrounding Shahbagh police station
While protesters surrounded the Shahbagh police station gate, leaders of the platform held a meeting with the Officer in Charge of Shahbagh police station Khalid Mansur.
Protesters alleged the police of not properly informing about the updates of the case. In their defense the police said that DC (media) is in charge of disseminating information about the case. Protesters left the police station after this.
Officer in Charge of Shahbagh Thana Khalid Mansur told Dhaka Tribune that they have already arrested the 3 main culprits of the Shammo murder case, and are investigating according to the procedure.
"If students surround the police station in this manner, the normal procedure of investigation will be disrupted," he added.
Early Protests
Earlier on Thursday, protesters had locked multiple faculty buildings and the registrar's office after gathering in front of the Madhur Canteen, demanding justice for the murder of Shammo.
The protesters proceeded to place locks on the gates of several buildings including the Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Business Studies, Registrar's Building, Institute of Modern Languages, and the University Library.
Since this morning, the university administration and the city corporation have been active to make Suhrawardy Udyan safe for students. The operation began with closing the gate adjacent to TSC in Suhrawardy Udyan. Additionally, various shops inside the park were evicted.
Dhaka University Human Rights Association demands
The Dhaka University Human Rights Association presented six demands during their human chain protest following Shammo's murder.
They called for the swift arrest and proper prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the killing, alongside the formation of a dedicated "Quick Response Team" within the existing proctorial system to handle emergencies and enhance student safety.
The association demanded that Suhrawardy Udyan be cleared of drug trafficking and criminal elements through coordinated pressure on relevant government bodies, while also advocating for restrictions on heavy vehicles and horn blowing in the university vicinity.
They further urged authorities to establish rehabilitation programs for drug addicts and mentally unstable individuals near campus, implement controlled access measures for outsiders, and ultimately ensure that the rule of law prevails over mob violence in addressing campus security concerns.