Rajshahi University journalism department boycotts classes over attack on journalists

Teachers and students of Rajshahi University's Department of Mass Communication and Journalism have blamed the university administration for failing to prevent an attack on journalists on campus, saying its inaction gave those involved an opportunity to carry out the violence.

The department held a human chain around 11:30am today (5 October) to protest the attack and boycotted classes in solidarity with the injured journalists and students. An academic meeting has also been called this afternoon to decide the department's next course of action.

The protesters demanded the arrest, expulsion and exemplary punishment of those involved in the attack. They also called for cancellation of the university certificates of those found guilty, where applicable.

Professor A-Al Mamun said the administration had remained largely inactive despite threats exchanged between two groups on Facebook over the past two days.

"We did not expect to face such an incident or witness such a scene after July. Our demand is clear. The process of taking appropriate action against those who attacked journalists and students must begin quickly," he said.

"Journalists worked as the eyes and ears of the people during the July uprising. These journalists are our safeguard. If we cannot ensure an environment for proper journalism, the country will again fall into darkness," he added.

Professor Mashihur Rahman said he had never witnessed such an attack on journalists during his three decades of teaching.

He urged the university administration to file criminal cases against those involved and ensure their punishment under criminal law.

"If the allegations are proven, the university must also take institutional measures, including cancellation of their studentship and other punishments available under university rules," he said.

He said such measures were necessary to ensure that students could move around the campus safely and journalists could collect information without fear.

Associate Professor Kazi Mamun Haider said the situation surrounding media freedom had worsened after the July uprising.

"Instead of reforming the media, there have been attempts to take control of it. Journalists have been arrested and press accreditation cards cancelled. Two major media outlets have also faced direct attacks," he said.

He also alleged that the presidents of Islami Chhatra Shibir at Rajshahi University and Jahangirnagar University had supported such attacks.

Department Chairman Mozzammel Hossain Bokul said the department decided to boycott classes after several students were injured.

"Our students were bleeding and in pain, and we had to stand at a human chain. In this situation, we boycotted classes today. An academic committee meeting has also been called this afternoon, where the next course of action will be decided," he said.
Master's student Farzana Tanvi said clear video footage of the attack was available.

"If the administration does not take exemplary action today, it should resign. When students are beaten in front of the administration, it shows that the administration has failed," she said.

The human chain was attended by teachers, students and representatives of campus journalists' organisations, including former Rajshahi University Journalists Association President Irfan Tamim, Rajshahi University Press Club President Ashikul Islam and Rajshahi University Reporters Unit Treasurer Din Islam.