BCL man beats up JU protester
Authorities forced to sue the BCL leader; talks postponed
Long-awaited talks between protesters and the Jahangirnagar University administration were postponed yesterday after a demonstrator was assaulted allegedly by a Chhatra League leader.
Many teachers and students joined the protesters soon after the incident around 10:00am and demanded the authorities took immediate action over the matter.
Amid protests, the university authorities around 2:00pm filed a complaint with the Ashulia Police Station against Abhishekh Mandal, organising secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra League’s JU unit, for assaulting environmental sciences student Nurul Islam Saimum, said JU Chief Security Officer Sudipto Shaheen.
“Abhishekh attacked me when I went to have breakfast near Shaheed Rafiq Jabbar Hall around 10:00am,” Saimum said.
However, Abhishekh told reporters that there was only a “scuffle” between them.
Even though Abhishekh had graduated from the university, he continues to live in the dorms. Multiple allegations of extortion and assault have been raised against him in the last few years.
He also allegedly beat up a reporter in 2016.
He maintains that the allegations are false.
Many students and teachers have been demonstrating on JU campus for the last two weeks over alleged corruption in the administration and unplanned development work that may endanger the biodiversity of the campus.
Ashikur Rahman, one of the spokespersons of the ongoing protests, said, “We will continue our protest until we get justice.”
Contacted, JU Proctor ASM Firoz Ul Hasan said, “A proctorial team has submitted its report. Since the accused is a former student, the university authorities have taken legal action against him.”
About holding talks, he said, “Our vice-chancellor suspended the talks. Hopefully, it will be held soon.”
Meanwhile, teachers will march and hold a rally today on campus under the banner Jahangirnagar Against Corruption, said the coordinator of the platform Prof Rayhan Rhyne.
JU BCL President Jewel Rana said, “We have nothing against the protesters. The incident may have happened over personal issues.”
The Chhatra Union, Cultural Alliance, Chhatra Front, and JU Theatre condemned the attack on Saimum.