University violence: Suspected activists assaulted after Rucsu office attack

Three suspected former activists of the banned Chhatra League were assaulted inside Rajshahi University’s central library reading room on Monday. The attack was reportedly a retaliation for an earlier assault on the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu) office.

Rucsu leaders and activists, along with members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, carried out the assault. The incident followed a clash at the proctor’s office the previous day. During a meeting, history student Anas was allegedly slapped by Rucsu General Secretary Salauddin Ammar and Assistant General Secretary Salman Sabbir.

University sources indicated that the altercation originated from a complaint by a female student who claimed she had been threatened with a weapon. Anas, who stated he was representing the accused's guardian, was accused of misbehaving with the proctor. Although Rucsu leaders demanded Anas be handed over to the police, the proctor permitted him to leave.

Following this, Rucsu leaders alleged that Anas and his associates attacked the students' union office, injuring Media and Publications Secretary Najmus Shakib. The group then sought refuge in the library. Rucsu members and Shibir activists subsequently entered the building and assaulted them. The three individuals were transported to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for medical treatment.

Ammar stated that the attack on the Rucsu office had injured their publications secretary. He contended that the proctor's action of locking Anas and his associates inside the library reading room had triggered the confrontation. He also attributed the unrest to the administration's failure to take action against former Chhatra League activists.

In the aftermath of these events, Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest procession on campus. RU Vice-Chancellor Prof Faridul Islam declined to comment, citing that he was in a meeting.

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The attack on the Rucsu office injured their publications secretary. He claimed the proctor locked Anas and his associates inside the library reading room, sparking the confrontation. He also blamed the administration’s failure to act against former Chhatra League activists for the unrest.