The New Nation - Internet Edition

Md. Jamal Uddin

A rumour that the Dhaka University (DU) would be closed sine die or at least for three months for the rampage on Monday by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) has severly panicked the university students.

The speculation of campus shutdown is floating among the DU students since early August. But no one got specific information in this regard.

"Every student of the hall knows that the university will be declared closed soon, said Zafar Iqbal Rocky, a resident student of Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall.

Mentioning the last year's session jam, he said the students would be loser more if the university was closed.

JCD, student wing of BNP, yesterday staged a demonstration on the campus peacefully and no untoward incident took place on the campus or elsewhere of the city in sequel to Monday's occurrence.

Two cases were filed against 280 students, 30 of Dhaka College and 250 of DU with the New Market and Shahbag Police Station in connection with the incident. "Demonstrations violating the state of emergency are a serious matter," Inspector General of Police Nur Mohammad told reporters after a meeting on law and order at the home ministry yesterday.

He said security measures had been beefed up to avoid further chaos in the capita.

"One person died in yesterday's mayhem, but police took instant action to bring the situation under control," he said.

"If anybody takes to the street, cases will be filed against them for violating emergency powers rules and arrests will also be made."

"Police are not neglecting the matter," the IG stressed.

Meanwhile, JCD senior leaders alerted the juniors before starting demonstration to refrain from any conflict that can cause closure of the university, a JCD sources said.

Thousands of JCD activists participated in the demonstration led by JCD senior vice president Sultan Salah Uddin Tuku and reiterated the demand of BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman`s release. Later, it held a rally at the 'Bat-tala' of the university.

Addressing the rally, JCD leaders urged the government to fulfill their demands, otherwise, it shall face serious problem.

They said it would be better for the present caretaker government to hand over the power to the political parties soon by holding general lection.

JCD vice president Akramul Haque Biplab, organising secretary Abdul Kader Bhuiyan Jewel, Bazlul Chowdhury Abed, Mamunur Rashid Mamun, DU unit general secretary Saiful Islam Firoz and female students affairs secretary Tanzim Chowdhury Lily, among others, spoke in the rally.

Students, who were setting for examinations in different departments, are so feared if the university was closed.

Student organisations are against the closure of the university. They think, the ongoing movement for release of Sheikh Hasina, Begum Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman would be slow if the campus was put off.

Members of the intelligence agencies of the government were spreading the rumour of campus closure to the students, sources said.

The rumour intensified over last two days due to the closured of Rajshahi University and Barisal Medical College. Even some students took preparation to leave their respective halls and they were more attentive to the media when the declaration would come.

Admitting the rumour, JCD DU Unit general secretary Saiful Islam Firoz said a vested quarter was trying to shut down the campus to slow down the current student movement but they were alert in this regard.

Bangladesh Chhatra League DU Unit general secretary Sazzad Sakib Badsha also uttered the same word saying they will not tolerate any conspiracy of closing the university.