Ruet students demand referendum on banning politics on campus, Chhatra Dal takes opposing stand

A section of students at Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) are staging protests demanding a ban on both open and covert student politics on campus, while Chhatra Dal is demonstrating in favour of continuing student politics.

At 2pm today (27 April), they held a sit-in in front of the administrative building. They demanded accountability from the administration over why student politics, previously suspended under a notification issued on 10 August 2024, resumed. 

They also demanded a referendum within 15 days to take students' opinions on whether student politics should continue, and action against those allegedly creating unrest over its return.

Following the start of the protest, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists held a procession and took position at the Ruet gate.

Tension escalated after a banner reading "no covert and open politics will be allowed" on campus was burned. Due to the situation, classes and examinations at Ruet were suspended. 

Students alleged that the banner, installed in the name of general students, was taken down and burned last night by Chhatra Dal activists. 

In response, students held a protest march on campus at around 11pm. When the procession reached Zia Hall, Chhatra Dal activists held a counter protest, creating further tension.

Following these events, classes and examinations remained suspended from the morning.

Chhatra Dal leaders said that while the Ruet constitution restricts teacher politics, there is no instruction banning student politics. 

For this reason, they want student politics to continue on campus, they added.

Ruet Student Welfare Director Robiul Islam Sarkar said the situation is currently under control, adding that one group wants student politics to remain banned under the existing notification, while another wants it to continue as there is no constitutional restriction. 

He stated that the administration is trying to resolve the issue.