On June 23, 2022, on the campus of the University of Rajshahi, members of a student group known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) physically attacked Munna Islam, a second-year student, forcing him out of his dormitory with his bedding at around 2:00 am. Shamim Hossain, the General Secretary of the local BCL branch, is accused of leading the attack.

Islam stated that members of the BCL demanded that he vacate the room and then became violent when he refused. The attack was reportedly part of a larger pattern of attacks on students by BCL members. The motivation for the attacks is not clear.

A.H.M Mahbubur Rahman, the principal of the dormitory where the attack occurred, stated that an investigation is ongoing and the perpetrators will receive the maximum punishment.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about members’ violent attacks by a student group on other students. Authorities and higher education officials must take reasonable measures to ensure safe living conditions for students, and students must refrain from violence. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, violent attacks on students undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.jagonews24.com/campus/news/772477
https://www.jagonews24.com/campus/news/772443
https://www.ajkerbangladesh.com.bd/education/2022/06/24/111695