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Dhaka, May 20, 2025: Students of Dhaka University (DU), particularly from the Institute of Education and Research (IER), have demanded an end to the dirty politics surrounding the brutal murder of their fellow student and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader, Shahriar Alam Saimy. The call was made during a press conference held at the IER gate on Tuesday (May 20).
The students issued an ultimatum, giving authorities until Thursday (May 22) to arrest Saimy’s killers. They announced that if their demands are not met by then, they will organize a long march from the base of Aparajeyo Bangla at DU to the Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday.
Al Nahiyan, a friend of Saimy and a student of the Geography and Environmental Science Department, said, “On the night of May 13, our friend Shahriar Alam Saimy was brutally murdered in the Suhrawardy Udyan adjacent to the campus. Saimy was, above all, a student of Dhaka University. However, we are deeply saddened to see that political student organizations are engaging in divisive and dirty politics surrounding his murder. This political factionalism has disappointed us. We expect the entire university to stand united in demanding justice for Saimy’s murder.”
He further stated, “It is also distressing that derogatory and distasteful comments are being made about Saimy online, with attempts to defame his character. We strongly condemn those involved in these despicable acts and will be compelled to take legal action.”
Students’ Demands:
During the press conference, the students presented the following demands for swift justice and a safer campus:
- Identify and arrest all those involved in Saimy’s murder and make their identities public.
- Release all CCTV footage from the surrounding area to the media.
- Eyewitnesses claim that accomplices to the murder were detained by the public and handed over to the police, but were inexplicably released. The police officers involved must be held accountable.
- Address the antisocial activities and drug syndicates operating near Shahbagh Police Station and hold those involved accountable. The police must also answer for their apparent negligence in apprehending suspects.
- The university administration’s negligence must stop, and they must act promptly to address students’ needs.
- The vice-chancellor, proctor, and administration must regularly follow up on the investigation and trial, ensuring the involvement of Saimy’s family, friends, and classmates.
- Form a ‘Saimy Justice Assurance Committee’ that includes the investigating officer, vice-chancellor, proctor, IER director, teachers, and student representatives, to be established by today.
- Call on all university organizations that have not yet protested Saimy’s murder to join in unified demonstrations.
- Ensure the safety of the campus and its surrounding areas.
The students vowed to continue their movement until their demands are met and urged the university administration and law enforcement agencies to take swift action.
AI/MR
