The shocking death of Sylhet Agricultural University student has sent shockwaves throughout Sylhet city, evidenced by mass protests on Sunday.
Wasim Afnan, 22, a fourth-year student of the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering department of the university, was run over by a bus after its helper reportedly pushed him off the vehicle at Sherpur in the Sadar upazila of Moulvibazar on Saturday afternoon.
In addition to observing grief on Sunday, the students of SAU have announced three days of programs which include demands for the case to be tried as murder instead of road accident, proceedng with the trial within three days, and boycotting all university exams and classes during the three days.
In the morning, a massive rally from the SAU crisscrossed through all the major avenues of Sylhet city and blocked the road at Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar. The blockade incapacitated road traffic throughout the city and was only withdrawn in the afternoon, following the announcement of the programs.
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The protesters demanded capital punishment for the driver and helper of the bus, and also pressed for the revocation of the bus route permit. They also called for strict restrictions on buses plying without a fitness certificate.
Despite the size of the protests and sentiments running high, no untoward incidents were reported, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jedan Al Musa, of Sylhet Metropolitan Police.
Family demands an eye for an eye
Wasim’s bereaved family demanded the highest punishment for the persons responsible for their loss.
His father, Abu Jahed Mahbub Ghori, said: “My only child is dead. I have nothing left. I want the driver and helper to be punished to make an example out of them. This must never happen again.”
Wasim’s mother, Dr. Meena Parvin, between bouts of unconsciousness, cried: “They must hang! The people who killed my son must hang for their crimes!”
Uncles, aunts, and grandparents of the deceased echoed the sentiment, reiterating that an example must be set with the punishment as these types of incidents have been happening with relatively mild punishment being meted out.
Local MP Shahnewaz Gazi said he has asked the administration to firmly and decisively act on the matter in order to deter similar instances in the future.
University mourns
The authorities at SAU observed a day of mourning and cancelled all classes and exams on Sunday.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Motiar Rahman led faculty members and senior members of the university administration in a memorial, followed by a human chain demanding swift justice.
