Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has strongly condemned the police assault and baton charge on female students of Government College of Applied Human Science in Dhaka, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible and the resignation of the college principal.

In a joint statement issued on November 6, the organisation`s Central President Nurul Islam and Secretary General Sibgatullah expressed deep concern over the incident, which reportedly took place late at night on November 5 while students were demonstrating to demand the reinstatement of their residential hall seats, resolution of accommodation problems and an end to institutional harassment.

The student leaders said the incident reflected a serious failure on the part of the college authorities to address students` legitimate grievances through dialogue and peaceful engagement.

According to the statement, dissatisfaction had been building among female students over the cancellation of residential seats, accommodation shortages, alleged financial irregularities, excessive financial burdens, arbitrary fines and various forms of administrative harassment.

Instead of taking effective steps to resolve these longstanding problems through discussions, the authorities allegedly allowed police to enter the students` residential hall late at night and use force against them.

Shibir leaders particularly condemned the reported entry of male police personnel into the female students` residential hall and allegations of indiscriminate baton charges, physical assault and dragging female students down staircases by their hair.

They described such actions as unacceptable and a violation of the dignity, safety and rights of female students.

The statement also drew a comparison with the 2001 incident at Dhaka University`s Shamsun Nahar Hall, when female students were reportedly subjected to violence by activists of the then ruling party`s student wing.

The leaders alleged that the latest incident reflected a repressive mindset towards students raising legitimate demands and strongly criticised what they described as brutality by the BNP administration.

Questioning the role of the college principal, the Shibir leaders said the head of an educational institution had a fundamental responsibility to protect students and ensure a safe academic environment.

Instead, they alleged, the principal had failed to discharge that responsibility by allowing police action against the female students, undermining the moral responsibility and dignity attached to the office.

Following the incident, students launched protests demanding justice and the principal`s resignation. They also announced an indefinite suspension of classes, examinations and administrative activities until the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issues an official notification regarding the principal`s resignation.

The Shibir leaders said the students` protest was the outcome of long-standing grievances, deprivation and frustration that had remained unaddressed by the college authorities.

They demanded an immediate, fair and impartial investigation into the police operation and exemplary punishment for all those found responsible.

They also called for the principal to be held accountable and resign, while urging the authorities to bear the full medical expenses of the injured students.

Emphasising the importance of a safe and respectful educational environment, the organisation urged the authorities to address all legitimate demands of the students and ensure secure residential facilities for female students.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of institutional accountability, student safety and constructive dialogue in resolving disputes at educational institutions.