Left-leaning students want cancellation

Pragatishil Chhatra Jote, a platform of four left-leaning student bodies of Rajshahi University, yesterday demanded cancellation of recently introduced evening masters' courses in five departments under its engineering faculty.

Over a hundred leaders and activists of the platform brought out a protest procession on the campus at noon. Addressing a rally, the leaders said the authorities are trying to commercialise the education system by introducing such evening courses.

They also demanded cancellation of all evening courses under business, social science and law faculties which have been introduced since 2010.

They also demanded immediate withdrawal of six cases filed against protesters of fee hike on the campus on February 2, 2014 when over 100 students and eight journalists were injured, including 27 bullet-hit, in an attack by some armed Bangladesh Chhatra League men backed by police.

The RU authorities, police, and BCL filed the six cases against more than 750 students. They also demanded withdrawal of restriction on processions, rallies and use of megaphones on the campus and holding of election of Rajshahi University Central Students Union.

Contacted, RU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin said they will take initiative to withdraw the cases immediately after submission of the probe report on February 2 incident.