Students issue 72-hour ultimatum following Azimpur campus unrest

Students of the Government College of Applied Human Science in the capital declared their principal, Dr Meherunnesa, unwanted on campus and issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding an investigation into a midnight police action.

The announcement was made during a press conference in front of the main gate of the institution on Friday (6 November) at 12:15 PM following a road blockade that disrupted traffic between Nilkhet intersection and Azimpur bus stand.

Protesting students presented a two-point demand during the briefing, calling for an independent inquiry committee within 72 hours to identify and punish the police personnel involved in the alleged midnight assault on students.

They also declared Principal Dr Meherunnesa unwanted on campus and announced an indefinite suspension of all administrative operations, classes, and examinations until the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issues an official notification regarding her resignation. Students warned of tougher programs if their demands are not addressed promptly.

The demonstration stems from a protest launched on Thursday (5 November) around 10:30 AM over allegations of high-handedness against the principal. Students kept Dr Meherunnesa confined to her office for nearly 13 hours until police rescued her at around 11:30 PM.

Protesters alleged that police launched a baton charge to clear the scene, resulting in injuries to several students. They also accused police officers of physical assault during the late-night operational entry into the campus.

-SA