The Dhaka University (DU) administration came under fire on Tuesday as Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders slammed what they termed a "catastrophic failure" to protect students, following the brutal murder of Shahriar Alam Samyo.
This was the second killing of a DU student in just nine months, reigniting student outrage and triggering widespread protests. Demonstrators gathered outside the Vice Chancellor's (VC) residence on Wednesday, demanding the immediate resignation of the DU VC, the Proctor, and the Home Affairs Adviser.
"Dhaka University has become a hunting ground while the authorities look the other way," said JCD Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib, accusing the administration of turning a blind eye to the rise of drug dens and lawlessness around campus. Protesters chanted slogans such as "One demand only - VC must resign," and "My brother is in the grave, why is the killer free?"
Samyo, a master's student at the Institute of Education and Research and Literary and Publication Secretary of JCD's A F Rahman Hall unit, was fatally stabbed around midnight Tuesday at Suhrawardy Udyan, following a confrontation reportedly triggered by a motorcycle collision. He succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. His funeral prayer was held at the DU Central Mosque after Zuhr prayer.
During a flash protest at 2:40 AM Wednesday, held in front of the VC's residence, DU JCD President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos declared, "By tomorrow, the inactive Vice-Chancellor and Proctor must resign. If the interim government fails to ensure law and order, we will take stern action."
Central General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir recalled the killing of Tofazzal Hossain in August 2023, saying the administration had failed to ensure student safety since then. "How can we expect justice under an administration that remains silent even after such horrific crimes?" he asked.
Protesters accused the authorities of negligence and complicity, citing a lack of security in areas like Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan, where crimes such as mugging and assault have become frequent. "Even now, Awami League allies roam the campus freely - who will take responsibility?" Rakibul asked.
Nahiduzzaman Shipon, DU JCD General Secretary, said, "Samyo was a frontline leader of the July Uprising. His blood will not go unpaid. The VC must resign."
While two suspects have reportedly been arrested, JCD leaders demanded the immediate arrest of all involved. "If this is the state of security at the country's premier university, what can we expect elsewhere?" Rakibul questioned.
A protest procession began at the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture and passed through the Central Library, Madhu's Canteen, and the Arts Building before converging at the VC's residence. Tensions ran high, with protesters kicking the VC residence gate and shouting abuse. The situation deescalated after intervention by JCD leaders.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan was heckled upon arriving at the protest site but later visited DMCH to pay respects to Samyo. Protesters also vandalised stalls at Suhrawardy Udyan and reportedly assaulted displaced persons seeking shelter there.
JCD has vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met.
