Shahjalal University Students Protest After Classmate Beaten for Food Complaint
Students at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet protested on Monday afternoon, demanding justice for a fellow student who was allegedly beaten for complaining about the quality of food in the Shahparan Hall canteen. The protest, involving over a hundred students from the 2023-24 academic year, began at the university's roundabout and proceeded through campus. Students chanted slogans such as "Why was my brother attacked? Administration, we demand answers!" and "Break the hands of the terrorists!" The incident occurred after Khairul Khondokar, a social science student, posted a complaint about the food quality in the hall's WhatsApp group on July 16. Subsequently, on the night of July 18, he was allegedly assaulted by Hasibur Rahman, the student wing's (Chatra Dal) communication secretary, and Tareq Rahman, the assistant office secretary. Following the assault, students held protests on the night of July 18 and the following day. The university administration has formed a three-member investigation committee, which is expected to submit its report on Tuesday. During a rally, students expressed their refusal to witness further injustices and called for the immediate suppression of "terrorists," emphasizing their pursuit of justice. They have set a three-day deadline for the administration to investigate and deliver justice, warning of class and examination boycotts if their demands are not met. The students also called for the resignation of the hall provost and the expulsion of the two student leaders involved.
This incident highlights the critical importance of transparent and responsive governance within university residential facilities, particularly concerning student welfare and the quality of essential services like food. The students' protest, escalating from a digital complaint to physical demonstration and threats of academic boycotts, underscores a breakdown in established grievance mechanisms. The alleged involvement of student political group leaders in the physical assault raises concerns about power dynamics and potential impunity within campus organizations. Moving forward, university administrations must proactively address food quality issues and ensure that all student complaints are handled impartially and without fear of reprisal, reinforcing a culture of accountability and due process to prevent future escalations and maintain a conducive learning environment.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.