Rashel Hossain, a Zoology student of Jahangirnagar University, was severely stabbed in the waist by snatchers near Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall gate upon his return from tuition.
After getting informed Proctor Prof ASM Rashidul Alam and security officials promptly arrived at the scene, rescued Rashel and took him to the university medical centre.
The on-duty doctor diagnosed his condition as critical and referred him to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar, where he is currently receiving treatment, which has significantly improved his condition.
However, recent reports of rising snatching incidents near the entry points of Jahangirnagar University (JU) adjacent to Dhaka-Aricha Highway have raised concerns about the safety of students and residents, which have been occurring for a long time.
Students, pedestrians and campus residents alleged that inadequate CCTV surveillance and poor lighting around key entry points and inside the campus as contributing to the increase in crimes rate.
Snatching incidents typically occur in the early evening to late night, sometimes during midday, using homemade weapons. Victims claim that snatchers jump over walls and escape into the jungle after snatching.
Students have expressed concern over the growing number of snatching incidents, which have targeted pedestrians, especially those walking alone or returning from their personal works.
The inadequate security infrastructure has made it difficult for authorities to track down culprits, leaving the university community increasingly anxious.
Authorities are under pressure to address these safety concerns quickly, as the university is home to thousands of students who rely on safe access to and from campus facilities.
With the increasing frequency of these incidents, both the university administration and the local Police are facing mounting pressure to take swift action to restore security in the area.
Students called for immediate upgrades to the university's surveillance systems, with a focus on improving the lighting and CCTV coverage at the university's vulnerable entry points.
Besides, students and residents at JU have called for stronger police patrolling, including a permanent Police Box at Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall gate and a higher sidewall height for Dairy Farm, in consultation with the farm authority.
Meanwhile, a group of students brought out a protest procession and held a rally at 11:30am in front of the new administrative building, protesting the stabbing incident and demanding a safe campus.
'I've come here five times to reiterate my demand. This time not for demand. I have come today to defend my rights,' said Shakil Islam, a postgraduate student of the History, addressing the rally, saying that students needed more than just assurances-they needed effective, permanent remedies.
The speakers at the rally highlighted several incidents of sexual harassment due to security loopholes inside and around the campus.
Besides, a delegation led by JU Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan along with Pro VCs, proctor, registrar and security officials visited the spot where Rashel was stabbed.
A high level supervision and coordination committee led by Pro VC (Administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed has been formed under the directives of the vice-chancellor to improve the overall security and safety for the community.
The committee will work to take appropriate measures following the assessment of overall security aspects with the coordination of all concerned parties.
Pro VC Prof Sohel Ahmed said, "This committee will work to take appropriate measures following the assessment of overall security and safety aspects with the coordination of all concerned parties. We have already visited different risk-prone zones on the campus.'
'We have directed the relevant offices to set up a required number of security posts in areas near the Dhaka-Aricha Highway that are considered risk-prone. We will discuss how to improve lighting systems and install an adequate number of CCTV cameras as a top priority,' he added.
