BUET students to return to classes, seek protection
The agitating students of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) want to resume their academic activities as the authorities have met their major demands.
However, the students said they want protection of those who led the demonstration after the Abrar murder.
Several students say they fear they might be subject of vengeance in future.
A pro-BNP lawyer is instigating the BUET demonstration, BUET student protester Antara Madhuri quoted a deputy minister while speaking to Prothom Alo.
Following the minister’s comment, a section of media outlet identified her (Antara) and disclosed the political identity of her father.
In fact her father is lawyer Mohammad Ismail who is a freedom fighter and education affairs secretary of Gono Forum.
"We'll sit with the teachers to discuss several issues this week and then we'll take our decision," said Mahmudur Rahman, a representative of the agitating students.
Abrar was a 21-year-old BUET student who was beaten to death by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders and activists at Sher-e-Bangla Hall on 7 October.
BUET general students burst into protests and have been boycotting class and exams since then.
The student protesters set three conditions to return to classes a day after a charge sheet was filed over the murder.
The demands are: permanent expulsion of the accused students from BUET, punishment of those involved in ragging at three BUET halls, and introduction of a policy banning mainstream politics and ragging.
BUET authorities on Monday issued a notification that basically met all the demands of the students.
On 21 November, 26 students of Sher-e-Bangla Hall were permanently expelled from the university.
A policy banning mainstream politics and punishment of ragging was also issued on Monday.
Following the steps, the students said it is the responsibility of the authority to resume the academic activities. The academic functions may start next week, they added.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, students' welfare director Mizanur Rahman said all the demands of the students have been met.
He also said exams may start on 28 December, but the exact time is to be finalised at an academic council meeting due on Saturday.