Dhaka University (DU) teachers and students formed on Wednesday a human chain at the foot of 'Aparajeyo Bangla' protesting the assault on Prof Fahmidul Haq by police on Tuesday, reports UNB.
Dr Fahmidul Haq, a teacher of Mass Communication and Journalism department of the university, was assaulted by policemen when guardians and civil society members were trying to gather in front of the Jatiya Press Club to stage demonstrations, protesting the ongoing attacks on and arrests of quota reform activists.
Speaking at the human chain programme, Prof Dr Gitiara Nasreen of Mass Communication and Journalism department said it is the duty of the state to ensure the safety of its citizens.
The guardians and teachers wanted to express their concern through that demonstration but they were assaulted by police, she said adding that their freedom to express their concern has been denied.
Dr Gitiara demanded proper investigation into the incident and exemplary punishment of those involved in it.
Masud Al Mahdi, a former student of the university, said, "No result will come out from these human chains as we've been doing these for many years without having any justice. Only protest won't bring justice, people have to speak up against injustice."
Some other teachers and students of the university also demanded justice and condemned the incident following a protest rally.
On Tuesday, law enforcers also picked up Prof Rehnuma Ahmed of Jagangirnagar University and former Bangladesh Chhatra Union president Baki Billah at that time. But, they were released later.
Fahmidul Haq said, "Police misbehaved with me even after knowing my identity. I and Rehnuma Ahmed got on the van after police arrested Baki Billah and wanted to talk to the police officer. The officer accused me of damaging the police vehicle and tried to arrest me, too. But the other demonstrators resisted their attempt."
Meanwhile, the leaders of Progressive Students' Alliance (PSA), a platform of four left-leaning students organisations protested the recent attacks on those demanding quota reform and assault on teachers and guardians.
They also demanded arrest of the BCL men who attacked the quota demonstrators, identification of the policemen who harassed DU Professor Fahmidul Haq, anthropologist Rahnuma Ahmed, and former student leader BakiBillah.
They came up with the demand at a press conference held at Madhur Canteen of Dhaka University about 2.0pm.
Coordinator of the alliance Golam Mostafa said, "BCL men are attacking the quota reformists in front of administration. They are trying to create panic everywhere."
"We hope the government will take steps against the attackers and publish gazette abolishing quota in public service as per the Prime Minister's declaration at parliament," he added.
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