CU student assaulted by autorickshaw driver; peers block road in protest

A student of the Chittagong University (CU) was allegedly assaulted by a CNG-run autorickshaw driver today (14 April) after protesting against overcharging, prompting fellow students to stage a road blockade on campus.

The incident occurred around 3:30pm near Gate No 1 of the university.

According to witnesses, the regular fare between CU's Zero Point and Gate No 1 is Tk7. However, taking advantage of the increased crowd during Pahela Baishakh celebrations, CNG-run autorickshaw drivers allegedly raised the fare to Tk10 in a coordinated manner.

When Mehedi Hasan, a student of the Marine Science department (session 2018-19), protested the additional fare, he was reportedly attacked by a driver near Gate No 1. Witnesses said he sought help from nearby drivers but received no assistance.

In protest, students immediately blocked the road at Zero Point, halting traffic for around 45 minutes and staging demonstrations.

The protesting students placed several demands, including the arrest of the accused by tonight, suspension of CNG operations on the Zero Point–Gate No 1 route until the arrest is made, continuation of at least four shuttle buses, and installation of a police box at Gate No 1 within seven days.

They also warned of fresh blockades from tomorrow morning if their demands are not fulfilled within the stipulated time.

After prolonged disruption, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan arrived at the scene and assured students that their demands would be met.

"The autorickshaw driver who assaulted our student must be arrested. Until then, all CNG-run autorickshaws will be barred from operating on campus. University transport will run in a circular service during this period," the vice-chancellor said.

The blockade was later withdrawn following the announcement.