Teachers and students of Begum Rokeya University (BRU) staged a protest rally on Friday, demanding the immediate release of Assistant Professor Mahmudul Haque, who was arrested in connection with a murder case filed ten months after the alleged incident.
The protest, held in front of the university’s main gate, condemned the arrest as politically motivated and based on a "false case."
Demonstrators gave authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to release the professor unconditionally. They also called for the formation of an investigation committee within 48 hours and submission of its report within three working days. Additionally, they demanded that those responsible for the arrest be identified and held accountable.
Students declared they would continue to boycott all classes under the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism until Professor Haque is released.
The arrest took place on Thursday afternoon when police from Hajirhat Police Station detained Haque from his rented residence in Rangpur city and took him directly to court. He was subsequently sent to jail.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Hajirhat Police Station Abdul Al Mamun Shah stated that the arrest was made for investigative purposes.
Friday’s demonstration saw participation from over a hundred students and faculty members, including Haque’s wife, Masuba Hasan Mun, and their son, Maimun Meheran.
Speakers at the rally alleged that the case was filed long after the death of grocery store owner Somes Uddin, who collapsed and died of a heart attack during a police operation amid the anti-discrimination movement on August 2 last year.
According to protestors, Uddin fled his shop upon seeing police, lost consciousness while running, and later died in the hospital.
Ten months later, police filed a murder case alleging Uddin had been hacked to death. His wife, Amena Begum, was reportedly brought to the police station and persuaded to sign off on the complaint.
The case names 54 individuals, including members of the local BNP and other political groups. Professor Haque was listed as the 54th accused.
Protesters accused OC Mamun Shah of manipulating the case and appointing himself as the investigating officer.
Masuba Hasan Mun, the professor’s wife, stated during the protest: “My husband has always spoken out against injustice. He condemned the killing of BRUR student Abu Sayeed during last year’s protests and demanded justice through a Facebook post. He also actively participated in the movement.”
Haque’s son, Maimun Meheran, questioned the legality of the arrest, claiming police provided no explanation and acted without a warrant. “Why was my father the only one arrested from a list of 54 accused? Why the urgency?” he asked.
Shahriar Sohag, a student of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department’s 13th batch, demanded transparency. “Where is the autopsy report? Why was no investigation carried out before arresting a university teacher? If our demands are not met within 24 hours, we will escalate our protest,” he said.
While the area was surrounded by military personnel during the demonstration, the protest concluded peacefully.
