The teacher community of Islamic University (IU) formed a human chain on Sunday to protest the brutal murder of Assistant Professor Asma Sadia Runa, and demand exemplary punishment for the killers.
The protest was organised in front of the university’s administration building at approximately 12pm.
The demonstration was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M Yaqub Ali, and Treasurer Professor Dr Jahangir Alam.
Leaders from Zia Parishad, University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), and Green Forum joined the event alongside deans, teachers, students, officers, and staff. Activists from the university units of Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir also expressed solidarity.
The victim’s husband, four children, and other relatives were present at the human chain.
Asma Sadia Runa served as the Chairperson of the Department of Social Welfare at the university.
Speaking at the event, UTAB Organising Secretary Dr Gafur Gazi stated that violence has once again returned to the campus. He demanded punishment that would serve as a deterrent to ensure such killings never occur on the campus again.
Green Forum General Secretary Dr Mostafizur Rahman described his late colleague as a “polite, gentle, and talented” teacher. He urged the authorities to identify and take swift action against those involved in the murder.
Additionally, he demanded that ID cards be issued to temporary staff for better monitoring and called for the deployment of Ansar members to ensure security across all university departments and buildings.
Zia Parishad President Professor Dr Farukuzzaman Khan criticised the long-standing culture of impunity, noting that no justice has been served for various attacks on teachers since 1995.
He attributed this “cruel murder” to the lack of administrative or police response following the recent killing of a student on campus. “When a criminal realises that there is no punishment for a crime… they become more brutal,” he said.
He warned that if justice is not secured through the Ministry of Home Affairs, the teachers and students would be forced to take to the streets.
Dr Nasrullah described the incident as “unprecedented” in the university’s history.
He assured the victim’s family of the administration’s full support and stated that they would approach the highest levels of the government to ensure justice.
The vice-chancellor confirmed that a case has been filed, an investigation committee has been formed, and measures have been taken to keep the Social Welfare Department functional.
He pledged that there would be no compromise in cooperating with state law enforcement for the arrest and investigation of the suspects. Furthermore, he announced that the university’s security system would be completely overhauled.
