The pro-BNP and Jamaat teachers of Rajshahi University yesterday demanded arrest of the armed activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League who allegedly attacked students protesting against increased fees and evening courses.
The teachers also demanded that the university be reopened as soon as possible.
They raised the demands at a press briefing at the University Teachers’ Club at 12:30pm. Joint-Convener of white panel Professor Enamul Haque read out the written statement.
Teachers said in presence of law enforcement BCL cadres swooped and fired on the agitating students, leaving hundreds of students injured and at least 20 bullet-hit.
The statement also said the university authorities and the police had filed four cases against agitating students, but none against the six identified gun-toting BCL activists.
During the February 2 attack, BCL RU unit’s Organising Secretary Shamsuzzaman Emon and Faisal Ahmed Runu, Joint-Secretary Nasim Ahmed Setu, Environment Affairs Secretary Mustakim Billah, Deputy-Press Secretary Anowarul Islam Shuvro and former joint-secretary Sudipta Salam were seen brandishing firearms in photos and videos published in different media.
Teachers demanded inclusion of the BCL cadres in the cases and their suspension from the university.
Demanding withdrawal of cases against hundreds of ordinary students, teachers demanded a proper and impartial investigation into the February 2 incident to ensure exemplary punishment to the identified attackers.
They also said the role of the proctors during the attack was questionable and that they had failed to ensure the safety of the students.
They also demanded that the university be reopened quickly.
However, university teachers’ association president and the former president of white panel Professor Ajhar Ali said they were supporting the students’ demand to reduce increased fees but were in favour of the evening courses.
The teachers also said the accusation of vandalism against Shibir was false. They said Shibir activists may have joined the students’ agitation individually but not as an organisation.
Teachers also met Vice-Chancellor Professor Mizanuddin and submitted the same statement.
The VC told reporters steps would be taken as per the probe report.
