RU student leader 'beaten up by BCL'

A vice president of Bangladesh Chhatra Federation was allegedly beaten up by a leader and some activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) in Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday after the former "refused to join a procession".

Nurul Nahid, a master's student of social work, claimed to The Daily Star that BCL's RU unit Deputy Office Affairs Secretary Abdullah Al Shimul first hurled abuses following his refusal in front Madar Bux Hall around 11:30am.

Following an altercation, some six activists, including Manik Shikdar, a president candidate of the hall, joined Shimul in slapping and punching him before leaving, he said. Two witnesses confirmed this.

Shimul, graduating from Islamic studies last year, claimed he had "only attempted to beat" Nurul after the latter did not reply to some of his queries on turning down his offer to join a BCL procession. Manik of statistics claimed he knew nothing of the incident. BCL's RU unit President Rashedul Islam Ranju termed it an altercation over a misunderstanding "which was later settled". On whether he would file a complaint, Nurul said he would decide after consulting others of his organisation. Proctor Tariqul Hasan said he had heard about the incident and would take steps after a complaint was filed.