New market clashes: Dhaka College finally forms probe body

The Dhaka College authority finally formed a committee yesterday to verify whether their students were involved in clashes in the New Market area a week ago.

The move comes days after police's Detective Branch already made headway into identifying the attackers who assaulted and hacked 19-year-old Nahid Mia to death.

According to detectives, most of the attackers were Dhaka College students and affiliated with Chhatra League.

Five cases have so far been filed regarding the clashes, which left two people killed and at least 50 injured, including journalists, students and cops. The cases are now under investigation.

ATM Mainul Hossain, acting principle of Dhaka College, told The Daily Star yesterday that they formed a three-member committee, headed by Prof Akhil Chandra Biswas, head of mathematics department.

The two other members are: Md Saheen Uddin, associate professor of physics and Md Faruk Ahmed, assistant professor of Islamic history.

The committee was asked to submit its report within five working days, he said.

Asked about the delay in starting the investigation, Mainul said the police investigation was not their concern.

"We have formed the committee as per academic rule. As we follow the academic procedure, it take some time to start the investigation.

"As no students are present in college hostels, we may extend the investigation period if the probe body appeals to us," added the acting principal.

Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday directed 14 local BNP leaders and activists to surrender before the lower court concerned in six weeks in connection with two cases filed over the clashes in New Market area.

The bench of Justice Mustafa Zaman Islam and Justice Md Salim passed orders following three petitions filed by the accused seeking bail in the cases filed over obstructing police in their duties.