RU probe report over attack on journalists may miss deadline

The investigation report into the attack on journalists at Rajshahi University, allegedly carried out by leaders and activists of the university unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), may not be submitted within the deadline set by the university authorities.

The report was still being prepared when Vice-Chancellor Prof Faridul Islam spoke to reporters around 8:30pm today.

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“We are waiting for the investigation report. I have heard that the report is still being prepared. We are in constant communication with the committee,” he told reporters.

“However, the final report may be submitted around midnight or late at night. If it goes beyond midnight, the recommendations of the report will be made public on Friday,” he added.

Attempts to contact investigation committee convener Prof Rezaul Karim for comment were unsuccessful.

The university administration had earlier assured journalists and students that the report would be submitted by Thursday evening. The 72-hour deadline set by the vice-chancellor is due to expire tonight.

The assurance was made following a meeting with journalists and students on Monday night after they staged demonstrations in front of the university's administrative building, demanding action against those responsible.

Among their key demands were filing cases against those involved, submitting the investigation report by Thursday evening, holding an emergency Syndicate meeting, permanently expelling those responsible from the university, and cancelling the academic certificates of former students found to be involved in the attack.

The vice-chancellor agreed to the demands.

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Daily Star RU correspondent among 4 journalists injured in Chhatra Dal attack

Following pressure from journalists, the university also relieved the provost of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall over the deletion of CCTV footage from the time of the attack. Resident teacher Md Matiur Rahman is currently serving as acting provost.

The vice-chancellor said a new provost would be appointed within one to two weeks.