RU asks students to end Baishakhi programmes by 5pm

The Rajshahi University (RU) authority today asked its students to end Pahela Baishakh programmes on the campus by 5:00pm.

The university issued a circular signed by Proctor Professor Mujibul Hauqe Azad Khan today saying, “The authority took the decision for the safety of teachers and students.”

“We have taken the decision after getting directions from the home ministry to finish all the programmes of Pahela Boishakh by 5:00pm,” Prof Khan told The Daily Star.

The hall authorities also asked the female students to return to their respective dormitories by 5:00pm.

In the circular, female students were also asked not to carry big size hand-bags on campus otherwise those might be searched by the law enforcement officials.

However, increased security measures have been taken on the campus since this morning.

Students, however, expressed their anger on imposing restrictions on their movement on the campus. They alleged that the authorities were trying to avoid their responsibility of ensuring students’ security by imposing the restrictions.

Abu Bakar Siddique, general secretary of RU Kendrio Sangskritik Jote, alleged that the authorities were imposing such ban as they would not be able to provide security.

"For not carrying their responsibilities properly, the authorities are setting up obstacles for the students in the name of security", he added.

Terming the decision as ‘whimsical’ and against students’ rights, Tomasri Das, general secretary of RU Chhatra Federation, wonders how the authorities impose such bans. 

Abdulla Al Mamun, assistant professor of English, said, “It is authority’s responsibility to ensure security to the students. It would be better if students were given chances to celebrate Baishakh after 5:00pm, beefing up proper security on campus.”