CUET student allegedly assaulted after bus stopped, protest called in Chattogram

A student of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) was allegedly assaulted and harassed after a bus carrying students to the university was stopped in Madhunaghat area of Hathazari on Monday (October 12).

The incident took place around 2:30pm, according to the student, Aminul Quddus Chowdhury, a second-year student of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He was travelling to CUET to join the ongoing movement demanding the reinstatement of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abu Sayed Muhammad Sayeem.

Meanwhile, current and former CUET students have called a human chain in front of Chattogram Press Club at 5pm on Monday to protest the alleged attack and demand safety for students. The organisers have urged everyone to join the programme.

Aminul said he boarded a CUET-bound bus from Bahaddarhat in Chattogram city to take part in the movement. When the bus stopped at Madhunaghat, he got off to understand what was happening, saying he had no prior knowledge of the situation.

According to Aminul, a group of people surrounded him when he took out his mobile phone to call someone. They allegedly pulled at his clothes and hair, assaulted him and attempted to take him away from the scene. He also alleged that the attackers labelled him a “Chhatra League” and “Shibir” activist during the assault.

As the situation escalated, several local residents intervened and moved him to a safe place. Aminul said their assistance helped him escape a potentially serious situation.

A “complete shutdown” has been underway at CUET since September 22, protesting the appointment of newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sheikh Shariful Alam and demanding the reinstatement of Professor Sayeem.

A section of teachers, officers and employees has also been observing a work abstention over the same demands, disrupting the university’s academic activities.