The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Barisal Shere Bangla Medical College (SBMC) reopened on Sunday after a closure of 50 days following the killing of a plumber.

The medical college was closed down on August 25 in the face of clashes between local people and the students of the college over the killing of a plumber named Murad reportedly by some students of the college on August 24.

Seven students alleged to be involved in the killing of the plumber are now absconding and they did not attend classes after reopening of the medical college.

Academic council of the SBMC on October 6 decided to reopen the institution and resume classes under police protection, Dr. Zahid Hossain, Principal of the college said.

According to the decision of the SBMC academic council, police have been deployed on the campus from Saturday and the three male and two female student hostels were opened on Saturday.

Hayatul Islam, Assistant Commissioner of Barisal Metropolitan Police, said that college authorities have assured to give all necessary assistance for the punishment of the killers under legal procedure, maintenance of proper educational atmosphere and controlling law and order situation on the campus.

Sub Inspector Shishir Kumar Pal, investigation officer of the case, said investigation of the case is going on after recoding statements of the witnesses, collecting postmortem report and other evidences.

The college authorities have formed an investigation committee in connection with the killing but the committee is yet to submit the report.

Local sources said police are going slowly as the college authorities are trying to negotiate the matter by holding meetings with the complainant of the case, guardians of the accused students, local councilors and members of the investigation committee.

Sources concerned said the BCC mayor, Shawkat Hossain Hiron, was trying to avoid trial and punishment for the killers as the accused students have affiliation with Bangladesh Chhatra League, student front of the Awami League. Hiron, however, denied the allegation.