Chittagong University students protesting an assault on a fellow student unlocked the main entrance of the campus after 11 hours following assurances from the university administration.

The students opened the gate around 12:00pm after CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Kamal Uddin and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Shamim Uddin, assured to meet their demand for introducing circular bus service within the university area.

Pro-VC Prof Kamal said, "First of all, we are deeply sorry for the incident involving our student. The CNG driver involved has been identified, and we will take action against him."

"We've long been working to introduce circular transportation for students within the campus. We've also received assurances from the UGC. With a major convocation ahead, we are actively planning to launch the circular transportation service."

The protesters began a sit-in around 1:30am after locking the gate, protesting an alleged assault on a fellow student by a group of locals.

However, the demonstration forced teachers and students to enter the campus on foot. The classes and exams are being held as per schedule.

It was alleged that Sultanul Arefin, a student of the Department of Political Science from the 2022–23 session, was physically assaulted by locals around 10:30pm yesterday near the university's rail crossing area.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Sultanul said, "I was standing near the rail crossing with my motorcycle when a CNG (auto-rickshaw) ran over my foot. I had a brief argument with the driver. Suddenly, some individuals appeared, and upon seeing the university name on my bike, they started verbally abusing and physically attacking me."

Soon after the incident, Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid Kanan said, "University students have been repeatedly assaulted by locals. The students are demanding the dismantling of the syndicate of CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers and the introduction of a circular bus service within the university area."

"They also want the perpetrators to be brought to justice. I've tried to convince them to open the gate, but they are insisting on a formal assurance from the university's top authorities," he said.