Female students accused police of baton-charging them during the late-night operation, leaving two students injured, as protests continued over the principal’s resignation.
The principal of the Government College of Applied Human Science in Dhaka was rescued by police at around 11:30pm on Thursday after remaining confined to her office for nearly 13 hours. Students alleged that police baton-charged them during the operation, injuring two female students.
The incident took place amid a student movement demanding the resignation of Professor Meherunnesa, principal of the college, formerly known as Home Economics College. Following her rescue, students took positions on the road in front of the institution and continued their protest.
More than 100 students were still occupying the road after midnight. They chanted slogans demanding the principal’s resignation.
Students allege police baton charge
Protesting students alleged that police used batons against them while rescuing the principal. Two students were injured and are receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The protesters also alleged that a police officer took away a student’s mobile phone when she tried to record a video of the police operation.
At around 12:15am, the students held a press conference and announced four demands. They said the movement would continue until their demands were met.
Their demands include a ban on government examinations at the college on Friday and show-cause notices for police officers accused of baton-charging students inside the campus.
They also demanded an indefinite suspension of all campus activities until the principal’s resignation was confirmed in writing. In addition, they called for teachers and employees who justified the alleged attack to be declared unwelcome on campus.
Police say principal is safe
Deputy Commissioner of Lalbagh Division Mostak Sarker told the media that the principal was safe after the rescue operation.
He said several students had gathered on the road in front of the college. Police had asked them to return to the campus, he added.
The police statement came as students continued their protest following the late-night operation.
Students raise allegations over residential seats
The protest began at around 10:30am on Thursday, when students demanded Professor Meherunnesa’s resignation. They later confined the principal to her office.
Explaining the reasons behind the movement, Tabassum, a student from the 2019–20 academic session, raised allegations involving the college’s residential facilities.
She alleged that the principal, who also serves as provost, cancelled the residential seats of two students from the 2020–21 academic session without a valid reason. According to Tabassum, the students later sought an explanation but did not receive a satisfactory response.
Tabassum further alleged that the provost demanded Tk 12,600 from the two students. She said one of the affected students even held the provost’s feet and requested a reduction in the amount.
Despite the request, the provost behaved rudely with the students, Tabassum alleged.
She also claimed that students faced fines even when they were slightly late returning to their dormitory. According to her, repeated allegations and incidents of harassment prompted students to launch the movement.
Student movement continues over resignation demand
The latest incident has added to tensions between students and the college administration. The students’ demands now include action over the alleged police attack, alongside their call for the principal’s resignation.
The protesters have said they will continue their movement until Professor Meherunnesa resigns. They have also demanded a written declaration confirming her resignation before normal campus activities resume.
