‘An artist’s protest is in their art’

We are painting in different ways as a symbol of protest against Himel's killing and a way of remembering him.

— Al Amin Ronak RU master's student

Students of fine arts at Rajshahi University (RU) have started a three-day-long protest, showcasing their artworks yesterday near the accident spot where Mahmud Habib Himel, a student of the same faculty, was crushed to death.

The programme, titled "An artist's protest is in their art", began at 11:30am.

Al Amin Ronak, a master's student of painting, oriental art and printmaking, said, "We are painting in different ways as a symbol of protest against Himel's killing and a way of remembering him."

Md Saif, a protester, mentioned that they are going to organise an exhibition with the artworks in a few days.

Around 100 students of different departments also held a candle-lit vigil yesterday remembering Himel.

On Wednesday night, students drew graffiti in front of the fine arts building, saying graffiti is a symbol for all who die every day on the roads.

Himel, a senior year student of graphic design, crafts and history of arts at RU, was killed on the spot by a truck that hit his motorbike at a construction site near Martyred Prof Habibur Rahman Hall on Tuesday night.

Another senior year student, Rayhan Rimel, was also injured in the accident. The incident was followed by an all-out protest from RU students.

The university authority filed a case with Matihar Police Station against the driver and helper of the truck. Police detained them on Wednesday.