CU unrest: 10 army platoons deployed; 21-member probe body formed
Classes and exams suspended on Monday
Ten platoons of the army were deployed on the Chittagong University campus yesterday following violent clashes continuing for the second day between students and locals, which left at least 400 students along with the pro-vice-chancellor.
At a press briefing around 8pm yesterday, Joint Forces Coordinator Lieutenant Colonel Abid said, "Ten platoons of the army have been deployed to bring the situation under control."
"The surrounding villages are calm. Efforts are being made to control the situation with the students."
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Police were also working to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, all classes and exams scheduled for Monday have been postponed, though other activities will continue.
Meanwhile, the university authorities have formed a 21-member committee.
Following a meeting of university stakeholders Sunday night, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan told reporters, "A 21-member committee has been formed to investigate the incident.
"Law enforcement agencies and local community leaders will ensure the safety of students living in the area. Classes and exams at the university will remain suspended on Monday."
The unrest stems from an incident late Saturday night, when a female student, returning to her rented house near CU's Gate No 2 around 11:30pm after the main gate closed, was harassed by the building's security guard.
When the student called her friends for help, they tried to escort the guard to the university proctor's office. In response, locals gathered following loudspeaker announcements and attacked the students with crude weapons.
During the attacks, vehicles of the proctorial body and law enforcement agencies were also vandalised.
Following Saturday night's violence, the university administration suspended examinations and classes until further notice.
Local administration imposed section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the area following repeated clashes.
