Nine students of Chittagong University (CU) have launched an indefinite hunger strike from 1 pm Wednesday, under the banner of Adhikar Sacheton Shikkhartibrindo (Rights-Conscious Students). Their demands include the resignation of the proctorial body, implementation of a seven-point charter, and ensuring campus safety in the wake of repeated administrative failures.
The strikers took position in front of the old Arts Building’s Proctor Office around 2 pm. Among them are:
- Omar Samudra, Master’s student, Department of Bangla
- Jashod Zakir, 2020–21 session, Department of Music, President of Revolutionary Student Unity
- Ramra Sain Marma, 2021–22 session, Sports Science, Organizing Secretary of Revolutionary Student Unity
- Ahmed Mugdho, 2021–22 session, English Department, Political Education and Culture Secretary of Revolutionary Student Unity
- Naeem Shah Jaan, 2021–22 session, English Department, Office Secretary of Revolutionary Student Unity
- Dhrubo Barua, 2018–19 session, Bangla Department, Coordinator of Democratic Students’ Alliance
- Sumaiya Shikder, 2021–22 session, Marketing Department, Women’s Wing Organizer
- Isha Dey, 2021–22 session, Music Department, Organizer of Revolutionary Student Youth Movement
- Sudarshan Chakma, 2019–20 session, Bangla Department, General Secretary of Hill Students’ Council
“For 30,000 Students, Not Just Ourselves”
“We are not fasting for our own sake but for the well-being of all 30,000 CU students,” said Isha Dey, a striker from the Music Department and organizer of the Revolutionary Student Youth Movement.
“We are not lodging complaints, but rather offering constructive criticism—so that the administration engages students in real solutions. This is not about political or personal gain, but about securing safety and relief for all.”
“Administration Failed to Act”
Echoing this, Omar Samudra, Master’s student of Bangla, said:
“Even after the most brutal attack in CU’s history, the administration failed to take meaningful action. Security has collapsed, and displaced students remain without a permanent solution. We want our demands met peacefully. If the administration ignores us, the responsibility will be theirs.”
Background: 31 August Violence
On 31 August, violent clashes at CU left over 450 students injured, with many forced to leave their dormitories. Since 4 September, students under Adhikar Sacheton Shikkhartibrindo have staged continuous protests in alliance with the Democratic Students’ Alliance, Women’s Wing, and general students.
Protesters allege that the CU administration has responded with intimidation—taking IDs and photos of activists, branding them as “terrorists,” and filing cases that shield the real perpetrators while targeting protesters. Despite thousands of students remaining displaced, the administration resumed classes and exams to present an image of normalcy.
Students argue that the proctorial body’s inaction and hostility toward peaceful protesters amount to a betrayal of democratic principles. Their seven-point demands include campus safety, accountability for attacks, justice for victims, and the resignation of the proctorial body.
