Attack on Nur: Protesters issue a week’s ultimatum to DU VC

Santrash Birodhi Chhatra Oikya -- a newly formed alliance comprising 12 student organisations -- yesterday issued an ultimatum till January 9 to Dhaka University vice-chancellor to meet their four-point demand, including legal action against and expulsion of those involved in attacks on Ducsu Vice President Nur and his associates.

Members of the alliance submitted a memorandum to the VC. They threatened to wage tougher protests if the demands are not met within the timeframe.

Assistant proctors Abdur Rahim and Sima Islam received the memorandum on behalf of VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, as he was not present at his office at the time. 

The alliance’s three other demands include resignation of the DU proctor for his failure to protect students, withdrawal of case against the injured and bearing their medical costs, and ensuring democratic environment and students’ security on campus.

While reading out the memorandum, Omar Faruk, an activist of Swantantra Jote, said, “The proctor did not come to the spot of the attack immediately on December 22 and evaded his duties even though he was requested repeatedly to intervene. Rather, he is indirectly speaking in favour of the attackers. Such behaviour suggests that he instigated Chhatra League and Muktijuddho Moncho activists to launch the attack.” 

They also alleged that the disappearance of CCTV footage of Ducsu building could not have been possible without the administration’s assistance.

Earlier, around 100 protesters under the banner of the alliance brought out a protest procession from the base of Raju Memorial Sculpture and paraded through the campus before stopping in front of the VC’s office.

The alliance members are: Bangladesh Sadharan Chhatra Adhikar Sangrakkhan Parishad, Chhatra Federation (Gana Samhati Andolon), Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist), Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (BSD), Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation (Jatiya Mukti Council), Biplobi Chhatra-Jubo Andolan, Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts Pahari Chhatra Parishad, Nagarik Chhatra Oikya, Swatantra Jote and Chhatra Moncho.

On December 22, Nur and his supporters came under attack from a faction of Muktijuddho Moncho, mostly comprised of BCL men, at his office at Ducsu building.

Nur and at least 26 of his supporters were wounded in the attack.

NO PROBE REPORT YET

Meanwhile, the probe body -- formed over the incident of attack on Nur and his followers on December 22 -- is yet to submit their report, even though eight days have passed since it’s formation.

The university authorities formed the six-member body two days after the attack, asking them to submit the report along with recommendations within six working days.

Contacted, Arts Faculty Dean and convener of the committee Prof Abu Md Delwar Hossain said they would request the vice-chancellor to extend the timeframe of submitting the report.