Islamic University Students Boycott Classes, Demand Probe into Student’s Death

Students at Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia have boycotted classes and examinations, demanding a thorough investigation into the mysterious death of Sajid Abdullah, a student of the Al-Quran and Islamic Studies Department, whose body was recovered from a pond at Shah Azizur Rahman Hall. The protesters, alleging the death was a homicide, are also calling for enhanced campus security.

The protest began at 11:00 AM on Saturday in front of the university’s administration building, led by students from the 2021-22 academic year (Sangbarto Batch 36), Sajid’s classmates. They were joined by students from the 2020-21 (Prwajjalito Batch 35) and 2022-23 (Inquilab Batch 36) academic years, along with leaders of active student organizations. Demonstrators displayed placards with slogans such as “No work, full pay — is that halal, We say?”, “A body floats in IUB’s pond, but the probe will drag two months long,” “Whose fault is this? Who will take the blame? We demand answers - name by name,” “Don’t be overly emotional!” “Who are you? Who am I? Sajid, Sajid!” “If you want more money, take from us but give safety on campus!” “A student lies in the morgue — while admin dreams in their heavenly org,” and “Justice for Sajid!”

The students presented a 12-point demand list to the administration:

1. Complete the investigation into Sajid’s death promptly and publish a full report, rejecting the 2–2.5-month timeline as unacceptable.
2. Install CCTV cameras across the 175-acre campus to ensure no area is unmonitored.
3. Implement 100% monitoring of student entry and exit at residential halls, using digital cards or biometric systems if necessary.
4. Construct a secure boundary wall around the entire campus.
5. Install and maintain sufficient street lighting to prevent students from moving in the darkness.
6. Announce a specific timeline for resolving these issues and provide regular progress updates.
7. Control external visitors through mandatory identity verification.
8. Ensure the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, hall provosts, proctor, and student advisors are regularly present on campus and directly accountable for student safety.
9. Deploy security personnel at all campus entry points, including the main gate.
10. Explain why the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor neither met with students nor issued a statement after Sajid’s death.
11. Include two student representatives in the hall and the administration’s investigation committees.
12. Implement all demands within seven working days, with visible steps taken within 24 hours.

The students vowed to continue the boycott until their demands are met, threatening further action if the administration fails to act within the stipulated deadlines.