Islamic University (IU) in turmoil again demanding justice for Sajid’s murder, students protest with slogans

The campus of Islamic University (IU) has once again become tense in protest against the death of Sajid Abdullah, a student of the 2021-22 batch from the Al Quran and Islamic Studies department, who was killed by suffocation. On Monday (August 4) around 11:30 am, students organized a protest rally starting from Bottola. The rally marched through several roads and ended in front of the administration building, where they later held a sit-in protest.

Leaders and activists from various student organizations took part in the demonstration, including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Shaakha Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Islami Chhatra Andolon, Chhatra Union, and leaders from Bangladesh Jamiat Talaba Arabia.

The protesters echoed slogans such as “We want death penalty for the killers,” “My brother is in the grave, why are the killers free?” and “Dead bodies lie on campus, what is the administration doing?” creating a charged atmosphere across the campus.

Earlier, on Sunday (August 3), the university administration handed over the viscera report of Sajid’s murder to the police from the fact-finding committee formed by the university. The forensic report stated that Sajid was first killed by suffocation and then his body was dumped in the water. His death occurred approximately 30 hours before the autopsy.

It is noted that on the afternoon of July 17, Sajid’s floating body was recovered from the pond adjacent to Shah Azizur Rahman Hall of the university. His classmates and family allege that Sajid was murdered and that it was not merely an accident.

Sajid’s brutal death has cast a shadow of grief across the campus. Students have demanded the immediate arrest of the killers and ensuring the highest punishment without delay.