Ruet reopens today amid tight security, restrictions

RU likely to reopen after summer vacation

25 April 2009, 18:00 PM

RU Correspondent

Students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology returning to dormitories as they reopened amid tight security yesterday.Photo: STAR

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) reopens today amid tight security and restrictions imposed by the authorities on rallies, processions and activities of the student bodies. Campus sources said the students have started returning to their respective halls as those were reopened yesterday. The hall authorities are checking identity cards of the resident students at the entrance. Meanwhile, at a meeting with Rajshahi University (RU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdus Sobhan at his office yesterday, the heads of all departments suggested reopening of the university on June 1 and residential halls on May 24. Ruet was closed sine die on March 13 following a clash between Bangladesh Chhatra League and Islami Chhatra Shibir on Rajshahi University (RU) campus that left Shibir leader Nomani killed and 100 others from both sides injured. The authorities at an emergency meeting on April 19 decided to reopen the dormitories on April 25 and the university on April 26. The meeting with Vice-Chancellor Prof Fazlul Babi in the chair also decided to impose restrictions on rallies, processions and student bodies' activities on the campus for an indefinite period. The authorities also asked teachers, officials, students and employees of the university to keep their identity cards with them while they stay on Ruet campus. Additional police and Ansars have been deployed on the campus to ensure security. Ruet Vice-Chancellor in a statement yesterday sought cooperation of all to ensure a congenial academic atmosphere on the campus. The heads of all 40 departments of Rajshahi University at the meeting also discussed the latest campus situation. According to this year's academic calendar, the university is scheduled to go on 45 days' summer vacation from May 1. When contacted, RU vice-chancellor said the chairmen of all departments put forward a proposal at the meeting for reopening of the university and all dormitorities. “The authorities will take a final decision in this regard after discussing the matter with other bodies concerned,” he said.