RU suspends BCL leader for beating cultural activist

In the face of continuous demonstrations, Rajshahi University yesterday suspended a Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader for beating a cultural activist unconscious and leaving his legs fractured on June 9.

Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin suspended Saddam Hossain Sajib, RU unit's BCL assistant secretary and a third-year student of law, for an unspecified period by applying his special power, Proctor Prof Tarikul Hasan told The Daily Star yesterday.

He said further action might be taken after investigation.

Sajib beat up Basudev Roy, a former president of RU Kendrio Sangskritik Jote, with scrap wood after a window of an on-campus restaurant which Roy opened hit Sajib, who was sitting outside, in the head. The victim is recovering in hospital.

The Sangskritik Jote had been demanding the BCL leader's expulsion since June 10 and started a hunger strike on Wednesday in front of the VC's residence. Its general secretary, Konika Gope, said they were pleased about the punitive action but demanded his arrest soon.