Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur authorities have announced an indefinite closure of the institution amid ongoing protests demanding quota reforms in public service, instructing students to vacate their dormitories by 11 am on Wednesday.
The announcement follows a violent clash between quota reform protesters and quota supporters, resulting in the death of Abu Sayeed, a 12th-batch student of the English department at Begum Rokeya University. Subsequently, the vice chancellor’s residence was attacked and set on fire, leading to the university’s indefinite closure.
Students began vacating the dormitories early in the morning, with many female students leaving on Tuesday evening. They reported being instructed by authorities to vacate the premises by 11 am, prompting their departure.
Students held the state responsible for Sayeed’s death and demanded a proper investigation. Musfiq, a BRUR student, said, “Such an incident of a student being shot and killed has never occurred in the history of the university. I support the quota reform movement, but I do not support the politics of murder.”
Another student, Monjur Azad, added, “We have been instructed to leave the dormitories. The teachers are pressuring us to vacate, so we are leaving reluctantly.”
Professor Bijoy Mohan Chaki, president of the Begum Rokeya University Teachers Association, commented, “The university has been closed due to the chaotic situation that has arisen.”
