The New Nation - Internet Edition

M Sohel Rana from RU

Hundreds of Islamic Chhatra Shibir (ICS) activists of Rajshahi University (RU) on Friday assaulted the acting Vice Chancellor of the University as he allegedly failed to ensure security of the students on the campus.

Earlier, several hundred agitating leaders and activists of Shibir of RU unit on Friday morning blocked traffic on Dhaka-Rajshahi highway for over one hour demanding arrest and exemplary punishment of the businessmen, salesmen and local people who have severely beaten up two RU Shibir activists and also other students of the University near Binodpur Bazar area.

On Thursday night, a clash occurred between RU students, Shibir activists and BRTC bus helpers at Binodpur Bazar area.

Sources said that the father of one Enamul Haque, a fourth year student of Islamic History and Culture sent some money for Enamul by BRTC Rajshahi bus helper Kaioum few days ago.

Enamul several times went to Rajshahi BRTC bus office and met Kaioum for his money but Kaioum did not pay his money.

Following that on Thursday night, Enamul and some other Shibir activists stopped the BTRC bus and severely beaten up Kaioum at Binodpur Bazar as he again refused to pay the money.

At that time, some local people and salesman and owner of a local restaurant 'Gilape Vander' rushed to the spot and rescued Kaioum and beat up Shibir activists Enamul and Sharif Uddin,

Later, Shibir students reorganised themselves and several chase and counter chase took place between RU students and Binodpur Bazar businessman. They also threw brickbats and stones at each other, sources said.

On Friday morning the Shibir activists kept the road blocked from 11:30am to 12:30pm felling trees at University main gate that created huge traffic jam and suffering for the people of the area.

On hearing the road blockade news, RU acting VC Professor Mamnunul Keramat with other teachers rushed to the spot but Shibir activists assaulted the teachers, chased them with sticks and pelted brickbats.

Later, the Shibir activists staged a sit-in demonstration on the road demanding arrest and exemplary punishment of the businessman and local people responsible for the assault and demanded compensation for Enamul.

The ICS cadres, led by RU ICS president Delwar Hossain Saidee, General Secretary Nomani, blasted the University proctor Enamul Haque and started abusing him when he rushed to the University main gate and requested Shibir activists to stop their demonstration.

Sources said, Shibir activists chanted various slogans against RU acting VC and proctor and University authorities alleging them as worthless and inefficient.

They also demanded immediate removal of proctor Enamul Haque from his post. Later, some pro-Jamaat assistant proctor, Pro-Jamaat senior teachers and police high officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.