Dhaka University VC Demands Swift Justice in Shahriar Alam Shammo Murder Case

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan has urged a thorough and transparent investigation into the tragic murder of Shahriar Alam Shammo, a meritorious student of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) and a leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). Addressing a student-organized programme on Sunday (18 May) at 11:00 am, which demanded the prompt arrest and trial of those responsible for Shammo’s killing, Dr. Khan emphasized the need for collective action to ensure justice for the university, the nation, and all stakeholders.

 

“In the interest of the nation and the university, we must work closely with the police to uncover the truth behind this heinous crime,” Dr. Khan stated. He confirmed that the university has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and is maintaining regular communication with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner to monitor the judicial process.

 

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the university has been in constant contact with Shammo’s family, including on the day of the programme. “We have provided CCTV footage to the police, who have arrested three suspects—Md Tamim Haolader, Palash Sardar, and Samrat Mallick. Their six-day remand began today,” he added, referencing ongoing police efforts.

 

Dr. Khan also highlighted memorial efforts, stating, “On Friday (16 May), we held a doa mahfil for Shammo’s soul after Jummah prayers at the Senate Bhaban, and another after Asr prayers at Sir A.F. Rahman Hall, where he resided.” Additionally, following a meeting with the Public Works Department and the Ministry of Local Government on 16 May, the university began constructing a wall to permanently close the Suhrawardy Udyan gate near TSC to enhance campus security.

 

On the issue of regulating outsider access to the campus, Dr. Khan explained, “We previously initiated measures to control outsiders, but objections from stakeholders stalled progress. We have now resumed these efforts with renewed vigor and seek everyone’s cooperation.”

 

The tragic incident occurred on the night of 13 May, when Shahriar Alam Shammo, a 25-year-old student of the 2018–19 IER session and JCD’s literary and publication secretary at Sir A.F. Rahman Hall, was fatally stabbed near Suhrawardy Udyan while returning to campus on his motorcycle. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead. The attack followed a scuffle after a collision with another motorcycle, according to fellow student Ashraful Islam Rafi. Police arrested three suspects within hours using CCTV and digital tracking.

 

The murder has sparked widespread outrage, with students under the banner “Students Against Terrorism” and JCD staging protests, including a candlelight vigil, a full-day strike, and blockades at Shahbagh intersection, demanding justice and enhanced campus security. The coalition, comprising JCD, Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Biplobi Chhatra Moitree, Bangladesh Chhatra Federation, and Samajtantrik Chhatra Federation, has also called for the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor, citing administrative failures.

 

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has assured that the investigation will be transferred to the Detective Branch (DB), while DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali pledged to complete the probe within a week and send the case to a special tribunal for maximum punishment.

 

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged a political motive behind the murder, claiming Shammo was targeted for his advocacy for the national flag and anthem, drawing parallels with past politically motivated killings.

 

Shammo was laid to rest on 14 May in his native village, Saratail, Belkuchi upazila, Sirajganj, after a namaz-e-janaza at Hafiziya Madrasa ground.