Rajshahi Nursing College shut indefinitely following clashes
Students have refused to leave the halls or the campus
Authorities have declared an indefinite closure of Rajshahi Nursing College following a violent clash between two student groups.
The decision was announced through an official notice issued by the college's Principal, Mosammat Motiara Khatun, this morning (14 May).
Students were ordered to vacate their residential halls by 12pm.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The notice stated, "Due to an untoward incident between the Diploma in Nursing and BSc in Nursing students, all academic activities of Rajshahi Nursing College will remain suspended until further notice."
It also warned of strict action against those who disobey the directive.
Despite the announcement, students have refused to leave the halls or the campus. Instead, they began staging protests on campus from noon, holding processions and chanting slogans.
According to students, they were attacked and injured, but instead of receiving justice, they are now facing punishment.
The students demanded a fair investigation into the attack and vowed to continue their movement until justice is served.
Zahirul Islam, a fourth-year BSc in Nursing student, said, "Those responsible for yesterday's attack must be brought to book within 24 hours. How can on-duty nurses from the hospital come and assault us? If action is not taken, we will be forced to launch a more severe protest."
He also demanded cancellation of the upcoming admission test scheduled for 16 May, stating, "There are no facilities for BSc nursing students. Holding admission tests in such a situation is nothing but absurdity."
Principal Matiara Khatun said, "Admission tests are scheduled for 16 May. We decided to shut the college for an indefinite period to prevent further unrest."
Yesterday afternoon (13 May), a group of Diploma in Nursing students allegedly attacked their peers from the BSc in Nursing programme. Hospital nurses, who were on duty, reportedly joined in the assault. Ten students were injured in the attack.
The injured students were later beaten again at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where they had gone for treatment.
The situation was eventually brought under control after police and army personnel intervened.
