DHAKA, May 14 (V7N) – Dhaka University (DU) authorities have declared a day of mourning following the tragic murder of student Shahriar Alam Shammo, who was fatally stabbed inside Suhrawardy Udyan last night.1

"In honour of Shammo's memory, Thursday will be observed as a day of mourning, with all academic activities halted for half the day," DU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Chowdhury announced at the university's Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban this afternoon.2

The announcement followed a meeting with officials from various ministries, including Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the ministries of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports.

The meeting resulted in several key decisions aimed at enhancing security, including:

  • Permanently closing the gate behind Raju Memorial Sculpture.
  • Launching regular security drives starting tomorrow.
  • Forming a joint security raid team.
  • Establishing a monitoring committee.
  • Transforming Suhrawardy Udyan into a modern park.
  • Setting up a dedicated police box.
  • Restricting public movement inside Udyan after 8 pm.
  • Enhancing lighting and installing CCTV surveillance throughout the Udyan.3

"To ensure students' safety, the gate behind the Raju Sculpture will be permanently closed, and Suhrawardy Udyan will be equipped with CCTV cameras and transformed into a smart park, modelled after Ramna Park," stated Prof.4 Niaz.

He also announced the establishment of a dedicated police box by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) for constant monitoring of the park area, with university faculty members acting as liaison personnel.5

A special security raid team, comprising members from both the DMP and the university's proctorial body, will conduct regular patrols inside Suhrawardy Udyan.6

"Although we have carried out security raids in the past, they were not continued long-term. As a result, we could not ensure sustained safety. This new team will include members from both DMP and the university's proctorial body," he said.

The VC acknowledged the university's longstanding security concerns and emphasized the need for coordinated support to protect students and the campus environment.7

He assured that the university is in regular communication with Shammo's family and that the police investigation is progressing, with three suspects already arrested and efforts underway to apprehend others.8

Prof. Niaz highlighted the challenges faced by the university due to its open public space and the fact that Suhrawardy Udyan falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD). He emphasized the university's commitment to addressing security concerns despite these limitations.

Regarding drug control on campus, the Vice-Chancellor called for a broader consensus involving all student organizations and stakeholders.9

DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed were also present at the press conference.

Shahriar Alam Shammo (25), a student of the Institute of Education and Research, was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in Suhrawardy Udyan late Tuesday following an altercation after a motorcycle collision. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead.

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