A journalist of Islamic University (IU) has allegedly been assaulted by a group of students on the campus in Kushtia for his alleged involvement with banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.
The incident took place in front of Shah Azizur Rahman Hall of the university around 2:00 AM.
The victim, Wasif Al Abrar, a student of Communication and Multimedia Journalism department's 2021–22 academic session, is an IU correspondent of Daily Campus.
According to the hall provost, Abrar, an activist of banned BCL, has been staying in the hall illegally despite of being a student of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall of the university. Several student lodged a compaint with the provost in this connection. Later, the provost gave him a three-day notice to vacate the seat of the hall where he used to reside.
An altercation was taken place between Abrar and some of the university unit ADSM leaders when Abrar was asked to leave the hall.
Some coordinators of the university unit ADSM including Nahid Hasan, Sazzad Sheikh, Ismail Hossain Rahat, and Sayem Ahmed asked why he was leaving the hall. Heated exchanges followed, leading to a scuffle among various student groups including two factions of the ADSM and others. Abrar reportedly became ill during the scuffle and was taken to the IU Medical Center.
It was known that Abrar had been involved with BCL since his college years. He had been expelled from IU Reporters’ Unity on charge of his involvement with BCL.
Later, two factions of the protesters gathered in front of the VC’s residence to protest the incident.
Coordinator Tanvir Mondal said, 'a third party was trying to create unrest and urged for a proper investigation and unity among all anti-discrimination and anti-fascist students. He appealed for cooperation with the university administration.'
Nahid Hasan denied Abrar’s ties to the Chhatra League and said, “The tension arose over whether Abrar should stay in the hall. When we approached, an argument broke out. After I was harassed, we went to the VC’s residence to protest,” he added.
IU Medical Center doctor Parvez Hasan said that Abrar did not sustain serious injuries, but was sent to Kushtia for his safety and overall assessment.
Shah Azizur Rahman Hall provost Professor Dr Mizanur Rahman said, 'The student disobeyed my instructions by staying in the hall. Those who went to leave him did not consult with me either. This should be handled by the hall administration. I disapprove of actions from both sides,' he added.
IU Proctor Dr Shahinuzzaman said, 'the university and hall administrations would form separate investigation committees, and action would be taken based on their reports.'
