Shibir postpones showdown as activists refuse to join rally

RU Correspondent

Rajshahi University (RU) Islami Chhatra Shibir yesterday postponed its scheduled showdown on the campus with its President Mahbubul Alam Salehi, a key suspect in Prof S Taher Ahmed murder case, as many activists refused to join the rally apart from huge police presence.

A few Shibir activists gathered near the administrative building and waited for the rally from the morning, but it was deferred before noon.

" Many of our workers refused to attend the rally because of Salehi's presence," said a party insider.

"His suspected involvement in the murder of Prof Taher has already damaged the party's image. If we carry on further with him people will abuse us," he said seeking anonymity.

"We postponed the programme as Salehi is busy in preparing for examinations," RU Shibir Secretary Nur Muhammad Mondol told The Daily Star.

However, tension gripped the students as Salehi visited both male and female dormitories and exchanged greetings with them.

He returned to the campus on Tuesday after he was freed on bail from the High Court.

A huge number of police were deployed on the campus as the authorities apprehended violence following Salehi's return.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Commissioner Muhammad Javed Patwary along with senior officials visited the campus.

Meanwhile, RU Chhatra Sangram Parishad, a combine of different student organisations led by Bangladesh Chhatra League, has staged angry protests.

Wearing shrouds on heads, they paraded campus thoroughfares and held a rally beside the central library.

They also threatened tougher agitation and suspension of all academic activities if Salehi sits for examination.

RU BCL President Ibrahim Hossain and Secretary Ayen Uddin addressed the rally.