Cop firing at RU students challenged

In this February 1 photo, over 5,000 students of Rajshahi University gather at a protest rally at Shabash Bangladesh play grounds on the campus demanding immediate withdrawal of hiked fees and cancellation of evening master’s courses.

Educationists and rights activists have challenged the legality of police’s firing at general students holding a peaceful movement at Rajshahi University (RU) on February 2.

In the writ petition, they also prayed to the High Court to seek government explanation on why the police had opened fire at the students, and if they had followed due rules before the firing.

Fourteen educationists and human rights activists today jointly submitted the petition as public interest litigation.

On February 2, police fired rubber bullets and teargas shells at the students fleeing an armed onslaught by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists, leaving over 100 students injured. The students were protesting evening master’s programmes and hike in some fees. 

Afterwards, the campus was vacated and shut for an indefinite period.

Writ petitioners’ counsel Jyotirmoy Barua told The Daily Star that the HC may hold hearing on the petition on February 23.

The petitioners include Prof Akmal Hossain; Prof Anu Muhammad; Prof Rafiqullah Khan; Prof Meghna Guhathakurta and Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori.

The home secretary, inspector general of police, commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, and officer-in-charge of Motihar Police Station in the city have been made respondents to the rule sought in the petition.