The killing of free thinkers and cultural activists continue unabated as their perpetrators are seldom arrested, let alone given exemplary punishment, speakers said at a human chain protest yesterday.
Former students of Rajshahi University's English department organised the programme in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, protesting against the murder of Professor Rezaul Karim Siddique.
They condemned murders of free thinkers and accused the government of failing to stop the fanatics, who, they say, are pursuing a single-minded campaign to target free thinkers.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, former RU English student Mila Mahfuza said: “The killing of Prof Siddique shows that serious threats to freedom of expression persist in Bangladesh. It is vital to ensure the identification of those responsible for the murder and the previous horrendous crimes.
“The organised targeting of cultural personalities aims at promoting a culture of silence and fear, but it cannot affect the society as a whole as we will uphold the precious values and teachings of the RU professor.”
On Saturday, suspected Islamist extremists hacked to death English department teacher Karim, a music and literary works enthusiast, near his home in Rajshahi. He is the fourth RU teacher to be killed since 2004 in similar manner.
Police detained an imam of a mosque and a madrasa teacher from Bagmara for interrogation yesterday. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shamsuddin said the detainees were Dargamaria Jame Mosque Imam Raihan Ali, 32, and Gopalpur Madrasa teacher Munsur Rahman, 48.
“Prof Rezaul has established a music school at his village but imam Raihan Ali protested the school’s establishment as he did not like music. That’s why he was detained for questioning. Madrasa teacher Munsur was also held as a suspect,” he said.
Ashik Sarwar Hridoy, another former student of Professor Siddique, said: “I am shivering in pain, agony, anger, tear and loss. A harmless and non-political person like professor Siddique has been murdered in broad daylight in such a brutal manner! The murder of my professor should be condemned in the harshest manner by all.”
Former RU student Md Reasat said: “We want justice and we will continue protests until we get it.”
Speakers urged the government to consider specific initiatives to prevent the attacks against free thinkers. This should include not only the provision of particular physical protections to those who are potential targets for violence, but also create public awareness against all kinds of extremist views.
Three other RU teachers were murdered in similar fashion before Prof Siddique. Sociology teacher Shafiul Islam was killed at Chouddopai on November 15, 2014. On February 01, 2006, geography teacher S Taher was murdered inside the university residential area. Economics teacher Younus was murdered at Binodpur on December 28, 2004.
RU students continued demonstrations for a fourth day, blocking the Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway. They announced boycotting classes and blocking the road again today. English department students marched on the campus before going out on the road, demanding justice for their slain teacher.
Meanwhile, Chittagong University teachers protested against the killing and demanded swift arrest of the killers. They demanded the government to ensure security of free-minded teachers, poets, intellectuals and litterateurs.
Thursday, August 06, 2026
