BCL defies ban at RU

Bangladesh Chhatra League brought out a procession with these motorcycles at Rajshahi University yesterday defying a ban. Photo: Star

Leaders and activists of Rajshahi University (RU) unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League yesterday brought out a motorcycle procession on the campus defying the university authorities' ban on such programmes.
On March 3, RU authorities imposed a ban on all types of procession, rally and the use of megaphones on the campus. The order came following violence on the campus on February 2 when police and BCL activists attacked a procession of RU students who were demonstrating protesting the hike of university fees and continuation of evening masters programmes.
The sudden procession created panic among general RU students and teachers.
Witnesses said around 100 BCL men with 35 motorcycles led by RU unit BCL general secretary SM Tawhid-Al-Hossain Tuhin brought out a procession on the campus around 11:30am. A large number of Rajshahi city unit BCL activists joined the procession.
On information, RU Proctor Prof Tarikul Hasan rushed to the spot and stopped the procession. He also asked the outsiders to leave the campus immediately.
Tuhin admitted they brought out a procession but refused to make any further comment.

However, Mizanur Rahman Rana, president of RU unit BCL, denied bringing out a procession and said they had no such programmes on campus.
“I heard some outsiders, coming from a wedding ceremony, went through the campus on motorbikes,” he told The Daily Star, adding that the men were not BCL activists.
Prof Tarikul Hasan told The Daily Star that they would take stern action against responsible BCL men.  
He said, “No outsiders with motorcycles will be allowed to enter the campus from today and if any do they will be handed over to police.”
Meanwhile, agitating RU students who have been protesting the February 2 attack and the university authorities' decision to hike university fees and continue evening masters programmes postponed their demonstration yesterday.