Human chain presses for speedy trial

Students and teachers of Jagannath University's Law Department formed a human chain and mourning rally, demanding justice for the death of Fairuz Sadaf Abontika, a student of the department who had died by suicide, reports UNB.

On Monday, with the participation of teachers and students of the department, the mourning rally marched the entire campus and later they formed a human chain at the university's Shaheed Minar premises.

The teachers and students at the human chain demanded proper investigation into the reason behind Abontika's suicide, and speedy trial of those responsible.

Abontika's classmate Setu Pal said, "We never thought she would do this. Suicide is not a solution. I want a fair investigation. Those who are involved must be punished."

Tanim, another student of the Law Department, said, "I want justice for Abontika. Whoever is responsible for abetting the suicide should be brought to justice."

Ahmed Ehsanul Kabir, a teacher of the Law Department, said, "I used to see her in class three days a week. She was an active and brilliant student. We have lost a bright young person. I have given my statement to the inquiry committee. Hope we will see justice."

Chairman of the Law Department, Prof Ali Akkas Sarkar, said, "In my 34 years of teaching, I have seen many incidents but Abontika's death is very painful. She had completed her honours. She could have gone on to become a judge. We demand fair investigation into the reason behind her suicide and immediate action. Speedy trial should be done if necessary. Let there be an exemplary trial."

Other teachers and students of various departments were present at the event.

More news from Cumilla adds: a Cumilla court on Monday placed Jagannath University's suspended student Raihan Siddique Amman and teacher Deen Islam on a two and one-day remand respectively in a case filed over the death of JnU student Fairuz Abontika.

Cumilla Judicial Magistrate Court-2 Judge Abu Bakar Siddique passed the order after the accused were produced before the court with prayers for a five and two-day remand respectively, said Kotwali Model police station Officer-in-Charge Md Firoz Hossain.

The court also ordered the investigation officer of the case filed to submit a report within seven days, he said.

Abontika, a student of the 2017-18 academic year of the JnU Law Department, hanged herself at her Cumilla residence after accusing her classmate Amman and teacher Deen Islam , who was relieved from the post of assistant proctor of the university, in a Facebook post around 10 pm on Friday.