Chittagong University (CU) students have ended their 52-hour-long hunger strike after receiving assurances from the university administration regarding their seven-point charter of demands, including the resignation of the proctorial body. The strike was carried out under the banner of Adhikar Sacheton Shikkhartibrindo (Rights-Conscious Students).
The hunger strike concluded Friday at 4 pm when Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yahia Akhtar, accompanied by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Shamim Uddin Khan and several other faculty members, personally met with the students.
Administration’s Assurance
The VC addressed the students, saying:
“Students are our children. We take your demands seriously. By Sunday, we will try to address all the issues. There will be no lack of sincerity in our actions.”
During the strike, at least seven students fell ill. Three of them—Sumaiya Shikder, Women’s Wing organizer and Marketing student; Dhrubo Barua, Democratic Student Council organizer; and Sudarshan Chakma, General Secretary of the Hill Students’ Council—were admitted to the CU Medical Center and received saline.
Earlier, the administration had attempted to hold discussions Thursday night, but students rejected the proposal, citing past instances where talks resulted only in verbal assurances with no real action. They had maintained that the hunger strike would continue until the proctorial body resigned.
Students Respond
After ending the strike, Omar Samudra, Master’s student of Bangla, said:
“The VC himself was present here. He assured all students that each of our seven demands will be discussed, and necessary steps will be taken, especially regarding the incompetence of the proctorial body. The upcoming Sunday meeting will focus on this.”
Jashod Zakir, member of Revolutionary Student Unity, added:
“The VC acknowledged the legitimacy of our demands and assured action. I call on all student organizations to participate in the upcoming discussions to ensure our 52-hour struggle does not go in vain.”
Background
The hunger strike was part of a continued protest following violent clashes with local residents on 30–31 August, which left over 500 students injured. Protesters accused the administration of failing to ensure campus security and demanded accountability and the immediate resignation of the proctorial body.
The students’ seven-point charter includes:
- Resignation of the proctorial body
- Proper medical treatment for injured students
- Safe accommodation for displaced students
- Security for those who published videos of the attacks
- Punishment of real perpetrators
- Formation of an inclusive coordination committee
- Implementation of syndicate decisions
After 52 hours of fasting, the students have now suspended their hunger strike, awaiting the Sunday meeting for discussions and concrete action.
