Jamaat leader’s death in clash: Midnight protest erupts at DU

Midnight protest on Dhaka University campus on Wednesday protesting the killing of Jamaat man in Sherpur.

Dhaka, Jan 29 - Students of Dhaka University staged a protest march on Wednesday midnight condemning the killing of a Jamaat-e-Islami leader during a clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters at an election manifesto reading event in Sherpur.

Students from various residential halls led by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders gathered at the VC Chattar around 11:30pm.

They later brought out a protest procession, chanted slogans and marched to the Raju memorial sculpture.

The protesters demanded swift justice for those involved in the killing.

Addressing the gathering, DUCSU Vice President Shadik Kayem said the BNP of Begum Khaleda Zia no longer exists and the party has turned into a hub of extortionists, tender manipulators and terrorists.

He claimed the BNP has betrayed the aspirations of building a new Bangladesh for the oppressed in the post-July uprising period.

Calling on Tarique Rahman, he said there is still time to reform the party, uphold the aspirations of the July uprising and the martyrs and bring terrorists and perpetrators of violence against women to justice.

He also urged the interim government to take action against those involved in the killing and to ensure a level playing field for holding a free, fair and credible election.

Rezaul Karim, general secretary of the Sreebardi Upazila unit of Jamaat, died after being injured in a clash between supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami and the BNP in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur district on Wednesday evening. - UNB