IU Correspondent:
Students of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia on Saturday, staged a massive protest at campus, demanding a proper investigation into the mysterious death of a meritorious student, Sajid Abdullah, questioning whether it was an accident or a case of murder.
Thousands of students gathered in front of the university’s administrative building around 11:00am, chanting slogans against the authorities and demanding justice. Later, a gayebana janaza (funeral prayer in absentia) was held for Sajid Abdullah at the university football ground.
Following the prayer, students brought out a procession and reassembled in front of the administration building.The students also alleged longstanding administrative mismanagement and negligence in ensuring campus safety.
According to the students, the deceased’s body was discovered from a pond adjacent to Shah Azizur Rahman Hall, around 5:00pm on Thursday afternoon. But it took nearly 45 minutes after reporting to the administration to rescue the body. Students claimed they had to transport the body themselves to the medical center due to the absence of an ambulance or medical team.
They further expressed frustration that, even two hours after identifying the body, no senior officials such as the proctor, student advisor, or hall provost appeared on the scene. Additionally, they criticized the lack of functional CCTV cameras at key campus locations, which hindered tracing the last movements of Sajid.
Addressing these mismanagement, students demanded for: 1. A complete and transparent investigation report on Sajid’s death within the shortest possible time. 2. Installation and activation of CCTV coverage across the entire campus. 3. Full monitoring of student entry and exit in all residential halls. 4. Construction of a secure boundary wall around the campus. 5. Installation and activation of adequate street lights. 6. Strong control over the entry of outsiders. However, they warned of tougher movements if the demands are not met. Several student organizations including Students against anti-discrimination, Chhatro Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Islami Chhatra Andolon and other active organisations also expressed solidarity with the protest.
Later, on a voice call from England, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah expressed his condolence and said, ‘All the demands are very logical. I have ordered the related authority to fulfil their demand at least possible time.’
Earlier on Thursday, The university administration and the Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall authorities had each formed separate investigation committees to look int o the matter.
