Islamic University (IU) Students have expressed concern, claiming the death of their peer Sajid Abdullah is mysterious as he knew how to swim. In response to the incident, the university authorities and hall administration have formed two separate investigation committees.
According to Sajid's acquaintances, he knew how to swim. How can someone who knows how to swim drown in a pond? We want the truth to emerge through a proper investigation.
When initially asked about the inquest report, Kushtia General Hospital's Resident Medical Officer Dr. Hossain Imam told journalists, "Initially, no signs of unnatural death were found on his body. However, we will be able to confirm more after receiving the viscera report."
IU Proctor Professor Dr Md Shahinuzzaman told journalists, "Sajid's post-mortem has been completed. We will know the real facts after receiving all the reports."
In connection with the case, a five-member committee was formed on Friday with Professor Dr Emtaj Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, according to an office order signed by IU registrar.
Other members of the committee include Professor Dr ATM Mizanur Rahman, Provost of Shah Azizur Rahman Hall; Professor Dr Gazi Md. Arifuzzaman Khan, Provost of Lalon Shah Hall; Professor Dr Mostafizur Rahman of Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies and Assistant Proctor Professor Dr Khairul Islam. The committee has been requested to submit its report within 10 working days.
Meanwhile, the hall administration has formed a three-member committee to properly investigate the death and submit a report. Professor Dr Abdul Gafur Gazi, the hall's Provost has been made the convener, Assistant Proctor Professor Dr Abdul Bari a member and Professor Dr A H M Nurul Islam, a resident teacher of the hall, the member secretary.
Professor Dr Gafur Gazi, the convener of the hall committee, said, "We have called a meeting for on Saturday at 10 AM. We will provide the report as soon as possible."
Professor Dr Emtaj Hossain, the convener of the university's investigation committee, said, "I have received the letter. We will start our activities from tomorrow. Since the safety of campus students is involved after this death, the matter will be addressed with great importance. I hope we can submit the report before the stipulated time."
Meanwhile, Sajid's first Janaza was held at the mosque of Kushtia General Hospital around 12 PM on Friday. During this time, his classmates blocked the freezing van carrying the body and protested. The van was later released after the university administration provided a written undertaking.
Sajid's father Ahsan Habibullah, said after his son's Janaza in Kushtia, "My son's death is mysterious. We demand a fair investigation into this incident."
It is worth noting that Sajid’s dead body was recovered from a pond adjacent to IU's Shah Azizur Rahman Hall. The body was retrieved on Thursday around 6:30 PM in the presence of IU Police Station. Later, at 8 PM, Dr. Sutap Roy, a physician at Kushtia General Hospital declared him dead. Earlier, around 5:15 PM, students saw Sajid's body floating in the pond.
The deceased Sajid was from Ghatail upazila of Tangail District. His father, Ahsan Habibullah Delowar is a madrasa superintendent. Sajid was a residential student of the 2021-22 academic year at Ziaur Rahman Hall. He was the only son among his four siblings.
JR/NSA
