Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) continued their protest for the second day on Tuesday, rejecting the authorities’ order to vacate dormitories. Around noon, they blocked the railway track at Jabbarer Mor and later locked the on-campus branch of Pubali Bank and the university treasury office.
AHM Himel, a third-year student of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and a member of the protest delegation, said, “We gave a six-point ultimatum yesterday morning but the administration has not responded. That is why we locked the bank and treasury after blocking the railway line. No administrative or financial activities will be allowed to continue during our movement.”
Another protester, Veterinary Faculty student Rupayan, said, “We have not received any effective assurance from the administration. Therefore, we locked the administrative building, the treasurer’s office and Pubali Bank inside the campus. Until our problems are resolved, no government-related activity will be allowed here.”
Shibli Sadi, also a student of Animal Husbandry, added, “We are protesting to press home our six demands. Our fellow students have been attacked. We want a quick solution.”
Treasurer Prof Dr Humayun Kabir said, “The treasurer’s office is a critical place. Students forced us out and locked the office, which will cause serious disruption. Their treatment of senior teachers is unfortunate. They kept 251 teachers and officers confined for 10 hours. We are deeply hurt.”
He added, “At this stage the matter is with the district administration, not in our hands. The university authorities may sit with journalists this afternoon, but no decision has been taken on sitting with the students. What they are doing is wrong. We want them to return to normalcy.”
The unrest began on Sunday when students demanded the unification of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry degrees into a combined degree. During the daylong confinement of 251 teachers and officials, outsiders reportedly attacked the students. That night, the authorities announced the indefinite closure of the university and ordered students to vacate dormitories by 9am Monday. Defying the directive, students have continued their protest.