Jagannath University (JnU) students have staged a protest rally condemning the brutal attack on fellow students by BNP leader Shahidul and demanding the immediate arrest and trial of those involved.
On Tuesday (March 4), following the Zuhr prayers, the protest march commenced from the university mosque, circled the campus, and culminated in a brief gathering at the sculpture square.
Amid the demonstration, students voiced their outrage with slogans such as "No place for terrorists and murderers in Bangladesh," "Why is my brother injured? We demand answers from the administration," and "Break the hands that attack students."
During the protest, Islami Chhatra Shibir's JnU unit General Secretary Riazul Islam, a 14th batch Law Department student, strongly condemned the attack in Dholaikhal the previous night. He asserted, "We stand united when it comes to JnU's safety. Those attempting to revive a culture of murder, abduction, extortion, and oppression will meet the same fate as the Awami League. No matter Shahidul's political affiliation, he must be held accountable and brought to justice."
Echoing similar sentiments, Shahin Mia, a 16th-batch History Department student, remarked, "This is not an isolated incident. JnU students have repeatedly fallen victim to such attacks, yet neither the university administration nor law enforcers have taken meaningful action. Despite repeated warnings, why are they not acting? Are they trying to shield the attackers? We demand Shahidul's immediate arrest and prosecution."
The JnU unit of Islami Chhatra Andolan also issued a statement condemning the attack. President Abdul Wahid and General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Akash jointly declared, "Students are the future of the nation, and ensuring their safety is the responsibility of both the state and university administration. However, continuous administrative failure has left students vulnerable to violence."
Adding to the concerns, Evan Tahsib, a 16th-batch student from the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, emphasized, "JnU is a historic institution, yet our students still have to fight for security. When students are deliberately targeted and attacked, it raises serious concerns. Why didn't the authorities apprehend the attackers on the spot? Why do we see no real efforts to ensure justice? We call upon the university and law enforcement agencies to stand with the students. If they fail, they must bear responsibility for any deterioration in law and order."
