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Published : 31 May 2025, 04:16 PM
The Dhaka University (DU) unit of the Chhatra Dal has reiterated its call for the resignation of the institution's vice-chancellor (VC) and proctor for failing to ensure a safe campus environment.
The group made the demand at a media briefing at the university's Madhur Canteen on Saturday.
Reading from a written statement, DU Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Shahosh said: "The police's immediate response to the murder of [DU student Shahriar Alam] Shammo was extremely disappointing."
"Several unusual events like leaving the crime scene unprotected until the morning, and the failure to gather any CCTV footage from Ramna Kali Temple, Bangla Academy and surrounding areas only add to the suspicions around the incident."
Citing a witness account shared online, Shahosh said that several police officers were reportedly present when Shammo was fatally stabbed.
“When the angry crowd tried to hand the attackers over to the police, the officers allegedly encouraged them to let the suspects go. To date, the authorities have not explained why or under whose orders the suspects were released.”
Shammo was reportedly attacked with a knife at Suhrawardy Udyan on the night of May 13 and was declared dead shortly after being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital around midnight. The following morning, his brother filed a case with Shahbagh Police Station against 10–12 unnamed individuals.
On May 27, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) held a press conference regarding the murder, which Chhatra Dal called “unclear and misleading”.
“Nearly two weeks after the murder, the DMP claimed Shammo was attacked with a small taser gun. But doctors said that a knife wound to his thigh had severed the femoral artery, leading to fatal blood loss in just 2–3 minutes.”
At that press briefing, Joint Commissioner Nasirul Islam of the DMP Detective Branch had blamed a drug syndicate led by one Mehedi for the killing, saying Shammo and two friends had gone to Suhrawardy Udyan on a motorcycle and were attacked after an altercation over the taser.
Chhatra Dal questioned the narrative. “Even after revealing his identity as a DU student and a well-known Chhatra Dal activist, Shammo was killed in a calculated and professional manner. The DMP has failed to clarify whether it was part of any plot,” said Shahosh.
He alleged that the DU authorities have shown reluctance in identifying and prosecuting Chhatra League “criminals” hiding in residential halls. “Through various tactics, the university administration has empowered officials, teachers, and staff aligned with Awami fascism, while marginalising those previously involved in anti-fascist movements.”
Demanding the resignation of the VC and proctor, Shahosh said: “The current administration has completely failed to take the necessary steps to ensure a safe campus. Their indifferent attitude in the face of repeated incidents reveals their inability to secure the university environment.”
He continued, “The administration cannot escape responsibility for failing to fulfil its promise of building a secure campus. We demand the vice-chancellor and proctor step down to allow more capable individuals to lead and rebuild Dhaka University as a safe and nurturing academic environment.”
When contacted for comment, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed defended the administration. “Since the founding of Dhaka University, it has never been safer. Under our watch, we’ve brought control over outside influence. No unauthorised vehicles are entering the campus, and the proctorial team, Ansar, and volunteers are working around the clock.”
“We’ve also cut off all access to Suhrawardy Udyan. I believe our efforts are visible. While student expectations are high, we have made every possible effort.”
