Barishal University students withdraw demonstrations

Barishal University (BU) students yesterday withdrew their ongoing demonstrations, after a meeting with the university's vice chancellor, students, transport workers and leaders, and law enforcers yesterday afternoon.

Following the meeting, Fazlul Haque Rajib, a student, read out a statement at a press conference on the campus.

He said they took the decision to withdraw the movement including road blockade after being assured of getting adequate security from the law enforcement agencies. Besides, the transport leaders pledged that such clashes will not occur in the future.

Another student, Amit Hasan Raktim, said, "Police told us that all the identified culprits will be brought to book."

Expressing regret over the incident, Mominuddin Kalu, president of Bus Owners' Association, said the attack on the students was unfortunate.

University VC Sadequl Arefin said the discussion among all parties was very fruitful.

On February 16, two BU students and transport workers altercated at BRTC bus counter at the city's Rupatoli. At one stage, the workers stabbed a student.

When the news spread on the BU campus, students vandalised a BRTC bus counter and blocked Barishal-Kuakata regional highway for two hours.

The incident caused anger among transport workers who attacked student dorms of BU in Rupatali on February 17, leaving at least 25 students injured.

On February 18, the university registrar filed a case against the unidentified miscreants with the police station.