RU Chhatra Dal forms human chain demanding mental health treatment for Rucsu GS Ammar
RU Chhatradal President says tougher programmes would be announced if arrangements for Ammar’s “proper mental treatment” were not made within the next 24 hours
Leaders and activists of the Rajshahi University (RU) unit of Chhatra Dal today (19 January) formed a human chain and submitted a memorandum to the university administration, demanding mental health treatment for Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) General Secretary (GS) Salahuddin Ammar.
The hour-long human chain was held at Paris Road on the campus around 1:30pm, with participation from Chhatra Dal leaders and activists. RU Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi, General Secretary Sardar Jahurul Islam and other leaders addressed the programme.
Speaking at the event, Sultan Ahmed Rahi warned that tougher programmes would be announced if arrangements for Ammar's "proper mental treatment" were not made within the next 24 hours.
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The protest followed an incident yesterday when Ammar tore down a banner set up in front of the Shaheed Intellectuals Memorial on the campus to congratulate Tarique Rahman on being elected BNP chairman.
The banner had been installed by Prof Md Nesar Uddin Talukdar of the Department of Arabic, who is also the president of the Rajshahi district unit of Zia Parishad, a socio-political wing of BNP.
Alleging repeated misconduct, Sultan Ahmed Rahi said, "Recently, Rucsu GS Salahuddin Ammar has been creating various indecent situations and tension on campus, which is disrupting the academic-friendly and peaceful environment. His behaviour suggests that he may be suffering from mental distress. In this situation, we urge the administration to take appropriate steps to ensure his mental health treatment."
After the human chain, RU Chhatra Dal submitted a memorandum to the university administration, demanding an assessment of Ammar's "mental health condition and provision of psychosocial support."
RU Proctor Mahbubor Rahman said Ammar should have informed the university administration instead of removing the banner on his own. "He has been called by the administration. Necessary steps will be taken in this regard," he said.
Responding to the allegations, Ammar said it was "Chhatra Dal leaders and activists" who should seek "mental health treatment", claiming they had been enrolled in four-year courses for 10 to 15 years.
