Kushtia, July 19 (V7N) — Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia has witnessed a massive wave of protests following the mysterious death of Sajid Abdullah, a student from the 2021–22 academic year in the Department of Al-Qur’an and Islamic Studies. The unrest began around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday as hundreds of students gathered in front of the administrative building demanding justice and improved campus safety.

Teachers from multiple departments and faculties joined the protest in solidarity. Leaders and members from several student organizations—including the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Shibir, Islami Chhatra Andolan, and Chhatra Union—were also present to show support.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., a janaza in absentia (gayebana janaza) was held at the central football ground of the university for Sajid. Following the prayer, a protest procession moved through campus before demonstrators symbolically locked the university’s administrative building around 12:00 noon. Protests and chanting continued into the afternoon.

Students expressed outrage with powerful slogans such as: “We will not let my brother’s blood be wasted,” “Who are you? Who am I? Sajid, Sajid,” “No budget—does your father eat the budget?” “Taking salaries without work—is that halal for you?” “Fake administration,” “Fake proctor,” and “Why did my brother die? Administration, answer!”

The protesting students placed several formal demands before the university administration:

A swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation into Sajid’s death with the report made public.

Installation of CCTV surveillance across the entire campus.

Construction of a secure boundary wall around university premises.

Adequate street lighting throughout the campus.

Strict regulation and monitoring of outsider entry.

Students alleged that Sajid’s death was not accidental. "This was not natural. He was killed, and if justice is not ensured, we will shut down the university," one protester said. They warned of escalating demonstrations if action is not taken quickly and transparently.

Later, senior university officials, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Ayyakub Ali, Proctor Professor Dr. Md. Shahinuzzaman, and Student Advisor Professor Dr. Obaidul Islam, arrived at the protest site. They expressed solidarity with the students’ demands and promised a full investigation along with necessary safety measures.

Sajid’s body was found on Thursday evening, July 17, around 6:30 p.m., floating in a pond near Shah Azizur Rahman Hall. Eyewitnesses noted blood around his nose and mouth, as well as visible injury marks on his body. These signs fueled suspicions of foul play rather than accidental drowning, deepening public concern across the university.

As calls for justice intensify, Islamic University’s administration faces mounting pressure to deliver answers and ensure the safety of its students moving forward.

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