Chittagong University (CU) on Sunday resumed its shuttle train service with enhanced security measures, following a series of events that led to safety concerns and student protests.
Loco masters and assistant loco masters have agreed to run the shuttle train, but only under police protection.
The CU shuttle train departed from Battali Station at 2:50pm on Sunday, confirmed CU Proctor Nurul Azim Sikder.
"There was a fruitful discussion with the loco master and assistant loco master. They asked for a police guard for security,” he said.
To ensure the safety of passengers and prevent future incidents, four policemen will be posted on each train.
Furthermore, discussions are ongoing regarding the installation of CCTV cameras at the university station.
Proctor Nurul Azim Sikder also addressed concerns about student behaviour on the train, stating: "Train operating loco masters and assistant loco masters demanded awareness campaigns to discourage students from climbing onto the roof or engine of the shuttle train."
This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident when students on the roof of the shuttle train collided with a fallen tree near Chowdhuryhat station, resulting in at least 15 injuries, with nine individuals admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on the same day.
The situation escalated when angry students assaulted the loco master and assistant loco master after the accident, prompting them to leave the train behind.
Subsequently, train services were suspended on Friday and Saturday for safety reasons.
To ensure the continuation of academic activities, eight buses were provided to transport students from the city to the campus on Sunday mornings during the suspension of the shuttle train service.
Despite the disruptions, scheduled exams and classes were conducted until noon on Sunday.
In response to the student protests and violence, some students reportedly ransacked the residence of the vice chancellor and vandalized buses belonging to teachers at the university transport office. The teachers' club also fell victim to vandalism, with teachers taking refuge in a secure room.
Witnesses indicated that in addition to regular students, leaders, and activists from various Chhatra League factions were involved in the protests and acts of vandalism.
The university administration responded to these incidents by filing two cases with the Hathazari police station on Saturday, aiming to address the disruption and ensure the safety of both students and staff.