RU campus paralysed for fourth day amid complete shutdown
Islami Chhatra Shibir, however, termed the shutdown a conspiracy to foil the Rucsu polls
Rajshahi University has remained paralysed for the fourth consecutive day as teachers, officials, and staff enforced a complete shutdown protesting the alleged "harassment" of teachers by students over the ward quota issue.
Classes, examinations, and administrative activities have been suspended, leaving the campus deserted as most students have left halls and messes for their homes.
Yesterday morning (23 September), a group of teachers, officials, and staff staged a sit-in at the Shaheed Buddhijibi Chattar, demanding exemplary punishment for the students accused of harassing teachers. They said their programme would continue until "visible and exemplary punishment" is ensured.
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Meanwhile, the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) election has been rescheduled. Originally set for 25 September, the polls will now be held on 16 October, as the shutdown has stalled campus activities, the election commission announced.
Islami Chhatra Shibir, however, termed the shutdown a conspiracy to foil the Rucsu polls. At a human chain in front of the central library around 11am today (24 September), leaders of the organisation alleged that certain groups were trying to disrupt the election.
"Knowing their imminent defeat, a section is attempting to thwart the Rucsu polls. As part of that effort, some teachers, officials, and staff are enforcing this shutdown," said Shibir President Mostakur Rahman Jahid.
He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the programme.
Tension flared at the university on 20 September, escalating into a scuffle with senior university officials.
Pro-VC Prof Main Uddin, Proctor Prof Mahbubor Rahman, Registrar Prof Iftikharul Alam Masud, and several other teachers were confined inside Zuberi Bhaban for nearly six hours.
They were released around 11:15pm after students ended the confinement and moved to stage a sit-in demonstration in front of the vice-chancellor's residence.
Later that night, the university authorities issued a notice announcing the suspension of admissions under the ward quota.
