Ukhiya, Nov 04 (V7N) – The Ukhiya upazila unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has demanded an end to what it describes as unnecessary questioning and harassment of students at various checkpoints in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar.
The organisation submitted a memorandum to Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Panna Akter on Tuesday afternoon, calling for steps to ensure students can travel to and from their educational institutions without unnecessary obstruction.
According to the memorandum, students are frequently stopped and questioned at different checkpoints while travelling to their educational institutions. It particularly alleges that female students are sometimes kept waiting for extended periods and subjected to discourteous behaviour, causing discomfort and anxiety among students.
The memorandum outlined six demands, including issuing instructions to prevent unnecessary harassment of students at checkpoints, ensuring polite and respectful conduct by police personnel on duty, ending unnecessary questioning in the name of security, and investigating complaints of harassment and taking appropriate action.
Newly elected Ukhiya upazila Chhatra Dal General Secretary Ziaul Karim Riad said students must be able to travel safely and without disruption to their educational institutions.
He said no student, particularly female students, should face harassment in the name of maintaining law and order. He called on the administration to take effective steps to address the concerns.
The memorandum was signed by Ukhiya upazila Chhatra Dal President Riduanur Rahman and General Secretary Ziaul Karim Riad, along with Ukhiya College Chhatra Dal President Nurul Absar and General Secretary Usman Sarwar.
Contacted for comment, 8 Armed Police Battalion (APBn) Commander Riaz Uddin Ahmed said he was in Dhaka on official duty and had not heard of the allegations. He said he would comment after obtaining detailed information.
Attempts were made to contact UNO Panna Akter by phone, but she did not answer. Her comment could not be obtained.
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