SUST students protest against hall eviction announcement

Students at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) staged a protest today (24 August) in response to an announcement by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's chief coordinator, Asadullah Al Galib, instructing students to vacate their residential halls.

Galib cited security concerns as the reason for his directive, following accusations that the students in the halls were affiliated with the B-Team of the Chhatra League.

The protest began with a march across the campus, culminating in a rally at the university's Mukta Mancha. Students Sajjad Hossain, Junayed Ahmed, and Naim Nishad led the demonstration, voicing strong opposition to the sudden order to leave the halls.

During his speech, Junayed Ahmed criticized the blanket labelling of students as Chhatra League members. "If staying in the halls during the Awami League's tenure makes someone a Chhatra League member, then many teachers, who were also recruited during this period, should face the same scrutiny," he argued. Ahmed also challenged the coordinators to name any individuals involved in criminal activities, assuring that students would remove them from the halls themselves.

The protest comes after Galib posted his directive on the Facebook group "Sustian Voice" late Friday night. He had initially encouraged students to return to the halls for safety but reversed this stance due to escalating tensions. While some students vacated the halls, citing fears of violence and legal repercussions, others remained defiant, participating in Saturday's demonstration.

In a video message, Galib later denied asking students to leave, causing further frustration among those who had already vacated the halls.

The situation remains tense as students continue to challenge the eviction notice, demanding a resolution that ensures their safety and rights on campus.