Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) were forced to leave their residential halls on Monday after receiving an ultimatum from locals.
The students were accused of being Chhatra League members disguised as ordinary students.
Around 2:30pm, a group of locals marched through the main gate of the university, reached Naya Bazar, and took a position in front of Shah Paran Hall, issuing an ultimatum for students to vacate the halls by 7pm.
In the face of mounting pressure, the students left the hall by the deadline.
During the demonstration, locals were heard chanting slogans like "Beware, agents of Chhatra League," "Beware, agents of Murderer Hasina," and "Chhatra League will not have a place on this campus."
Asadullah Al Ghalib, one of the coordinators of Sust Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, addressed the situation, saying: "We had decided in an open forum meeting earlier in the day that any Chhatra League members would be systematically expelled from the halls. A Google Doc will be created where general students can provide information on the activities of those involved with the Chhatra League. Action will be taken based on this information."
However, the locals remained firm in their demands. Some teachers intervened, urging students to leave the halls to ensure their safety.
Locals claimed that during Sheikh Hasina's 15-year tenure, Chhatra League members were involved in various unethical activities on campus, including disappearances and killings. They alleged that a group of Chhatra League members continued their activities in the university’s residential halls, working as ordinary students to implement Awami League's agenda.
The locals insisted that all students must vacate the halls, and only under the new administration would they be allowed to return.
Earlier, the students had held a meeting at 12pm with the university coordinators in an open forum. They discussed ensuring their security until the administration resumed its duties at the university.
The coordinators also urged students to provide information via Google Doc on those involved in Chhatra League activities, with the promise of action after verification.
However, before the meeting concluded, the locals had already entered the university campus from two directions in a procession.
On Thursday midnight, some helmet-wearing miscreants issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the Chhatra League leaders and activists to leave the halls.
On Friday evening, the locals staged a demonstration from Naya Bazar to Tilagor against the Chhatra League, leaving resident students in fear.
