Rajshahi University faces Tk 40m damage from quota protest violence, says vice-chancellor

A five-member committee is investigating the incidents

Attacks linked to quota reform protests on 158 rooms across 10 halls at Rajshahi University have resulted in damage estimated at around Tk 40 million, according to preliminary findings by the institute’s investigation.

A five-member committee was formed on Thursday to investigate the vandalism and arson at the residential halls, Vice-Chancellor Professor Golam Shabbir Sattar said on Saturday.

Prof SM Akram Ullah, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is the convener of the committee, while mass communication and journalism department Chairman Prof Md Mozammel Hossain Bokul is the member secretary.

They have been instructed to submit a detailed report on the incident, the extent of damage, and necessary actions within eight weeks.

“The hall provosts have reported the initial damage to the residential halls, showing significant losses,” the VC said.

He continued, “We must first ensure the safety of our students. Besides, we need to make the halls habitable again.”

“Some of the halls are so damaged that it is distressing even to see them. We do not want students to encounter such conditions. We have already initiated repair work.”

Describing the campus violence, Prof Sattar said the movement for quota reform was a peaceful student-led protest initially.

“But, on the 16th of July, the campus witnessed a severe outbreak of violence, with outsiders entering and causing extensive damage.”

He expressed concern about the future of academic activities, after saying, “The appearance of terrorists on the campus is alarming for the future. I urge everyone to stay calm and reflect on how we want to progress.”

“A university is about moving forward, and stagnation means falling behind. We do not wish to remain stagnant; we still have a long way to go.”