Violence on campus: Rucsu GS under growing scrutiny

Rucsu General Secretary Salauddin Ammar is facing growing criticism over a series of alleged misconduct, including violence, intimidation, misbehaviour, and a controversial fundraising drive.

The latest controversy unfolded on Monday when Ammar and Assistant General Secretary Salman Sabbir allegedly assaulted three students inside the university Proctor’s Office and later at the central library after labelling them banned Chhatra League members.

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The students are Md Anas and Hasib, both of the History Department (2017-18 session), and Mahmudul Hasan of the Sanskrit Department (2022-23 session).

Videos circulating on social media show Ammar holding a shovel and threatening one of the students outside the library, while another shows him and several others beating a student with a bamboo stick inside the library. Separate videos show university proctor Md Mahbubor Rahman trying to evacuate the students and Rucsu and Shibir members dragging Mahmudul out of an ambulance and assaulting him as authorities were taking him to hospital.

Hours later, Anas and Mahmudul were taken into police custody and shown arrested in a case filed last month under the Anti-Terrorism Act. That night, the university authorities formed a five-member investigation committee.

Committee member Prof Md Golam Sadik said, “Such an environment is never desirable at a university. Our investigation will examine why such an unfortunate incident occurred on a university campus.

“We also want to determine what Ammar’s responsibilities were as a student union leader and whether he acted in accordance with them.”

Contacted, University Proctor Md Mahbubor Rahman said, “The incident was a serious blow to the university’s internal security.

“Entering the university library and carrying out such an incident is unquestionably reprehensible. Everyone has the right to raise demands or stage protests. However, the approach Ammar is taking is completely unacceptable. I was personally present during the incident. If the probe committee seeks any information from me, I will provide a detailed account of everything that happened.”

At a press conference on Tuesday evening, Rucsu Vice-President Mostakur Rahman Zahid threatened action against journalists and media outlets over reports on the incident, accusing them of portraying Rucsu and Islami Chhatra Shibir in a negative light.

Monday’s violence was the latest in a series of allegations surrounding Ammar since the July uprising.

In September last year, his name surfaced during the investigation into the killing of former Chhatra League leader and university employee Abdullah Al Masud. Investigators are probing allegations that Ammar was present near the scene before the victim was taken to hospital. Ammar denied any involvement, claiming he was implicated due to political vengeance.

Ammar also drew criticism during the university’s staff quota movement in January 2025. He was accused of leading demonstrations that included laying siege to the residence of the then pro-vice chancellor (administration), throwing money at his vehicle, and physically harassing him.

He again faced criticism after letters seeking Tk 7.6 million in sponsorship from around 70 organisations for a concert marking the uprising’s anniversary became public in July 2025. Critics described the fundraising drive as extortion, an allegation Ammar denied. Although organisers promised to publish the programme’s financial statement, it remains unpublished.

In December 2025, he allegedly forced six pro-Awami League deans to resign through mob pressure. He also faced criticism after tearing down a banner put up by pro-BNP teachers congratulating BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman in January 2026 and behaving aggressively towards leaders of other student organisations.

Prof Amirul Islam of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and General Secretary of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum at Rajshahi University said, “There should be no place for terrorists or terrorist activities in educational institutions. Those involved in such acts must be brought to justice. Anyone attempting to promote mob culture on campus must also be held accountable. Mob culture does not preserve the environment necessary for education and research; rather, it destroys it.”

Socialist Students’ Front Convener Fuad Ratul said every student had the right to live with dignity. “No student has the right to physically assault others. But Salauddin Ammar has consistently displayed muscle power on campus through such behaviour.”

Students’ Rights Council President Mehedi Maruf said Ammar repeatedly appeared in controversial incidents, while Rajshahi University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi said his alleged misconduct was unacceptable.

The controversies have also fuelled criticism of Rucsu itself. Nine months after taking office, the Shibir-backed panel, which won 20 of the 23 central executive posts, is facing questions over its implementation of the election manifesto.

The panel pledged 24 reforms, including a roadmap for full residential accommodation, digital administrative services, on-campus employment opportunities, a 20-bed medical centre, a full-fledged student centre, and uninterrupted electricity and internet services. Students and rival organisations say there has been little visible progress, arguing that Rucsu leaders have focused more on national politics than on students’ day-to-day concerns.

The student union’s list of “103 achievements in 100 days” also drew criticism, with opponents saying it largely highlighted courtesy meetings, seminars, memorial visits, cultural programmes, and memorandum submissions instead of addressing accommodation, healthcare, academic services, and campus infrastructure.

However, Zahid said 59 percent of the panel’s manifesto commitments had been completed or were under implementation. He attributed the delays to administrative complexities and a lack of cooperation from the university administration.

Contacted, Ammar said, “I have always tried to follow the rules during protests. But the administration does not cooperate. Yet whenever I take a more aggressive approach, the movement begins to see success. Many people are angry with me.

“And the Chhatra League and its parent organisation have always spread these things against me to satisfy their vendetta. If they have any evidence against me, they should take legal action in accordance with the law.”