Student’s death in RU swimming pool sparks outrage

A tragic incident at Rajshahi University (RU) has ignited widespread protests after Saima hossain, a female student of the Sociology department, died while swimming in the university pool on Sunday. 

She was rushed to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Her sudden death has triggered intense anger among students, who reject the administration’s initial explanation and are demanding a transparent investigation and systemic reforms. 

Acting Director of the Physical Education Department, Mosa Roksana Begum, initially stated that Saima died of a “heart attack.” Students immediately dismissed this claim, citing a lack of medical evidence and raising serious concerns about safety protocols, supervision, and emergency response at the pool. 

By 9:00 PM the same day, hundreds of students held a rally and staged a sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s residence. They accused the university administration, the Physical Education Department, and the campus medical center of negligence—and insisted that Saima’s death was not a simple accident. 
Student Leaders Demand Accountability 

RAKSUR (Rajshahi University Students’ Union) newly elected Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid criticized the administration’s delayed response: “They keep delaying, hoping students will eventually give up. But this is causing unnecessary pain to our community. We demand a proper investigation and justice—not just for Saima, but for every student.” 

General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar highlighted critical safety failures: “Why wasn’t her fitness checked before she entered the pool? Why was the water reportedly unsafe? And why did no staff notice her in distress? These questions must be answered without delay.” 

Students are calling for a thorough forensic and medical inquiry into the cause of death, accountability for officials responsible for pool safety and student welfare, mandatory safety audits of all university recreational facilities and strengthened on-site emergency medical services.

In response to growing pressure, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Saleh Hasan Nakeeb announced the formation of an investigation committee led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Farid Sahb. The committee has been tasked with conducting a “fair and impartial” probe, with a preliminary report expected within 72 hours. 

While the administration has pledged to act on the findings, student groups remain skeptical and have vowed to continue demonstrations until concrete safety measures are implemented. 

Saima’s death has not only mourned the loss of a promising young life but also exposed serious gaps in student safety protocols at one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most respected universities. As tensions remain high on campus, the coming days will test whether the institution can deliver the transparency and accountability its students demand. 
 
HKJ