A top student leader, Shamim Ahmed, was brutally beaten to death at Jahangirnagar University in Dhaka, as political violence escalates in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ousting. Ahmed, affiliated with Hasina’s Awami League party, was reportedly attacked by unknown assailants in retaliation for his involvement in suppressing anti-Hasina protests in July. “We took him to Gonoshasthaya Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries,” confirmed police officer Abu Bakkar. This marks the second killing of an Awami League student leader this month, with Abdullah Al Masud being beaten to death in Rajshahi earlier.
Ahmed’s death has raised concerns about the political divide that has gripped Bangladesh, particularly in its educational institutions. More than 450 people were killed in the violence leading up to Hasina’s departure in August, leaving the country in turmoil.
Violence and Retaliation Engulf Universities
As the political unrest continues, violence at universities remains rampant. Dhaka University (DU) has also seen fatal incidents, with the administration recently filing a murder case after a suspected thief, Tofazzal Hossain, was lynched at Fazlul Haque Hall. Three students have been detained in connection with the incident, and DU officials confirmed they were identified via CCTV footage.
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According to witnesses, Tofazzal was accused of stealing a phone before being brutally beaten and tied up by university students. Despite being rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, he was declared dead shortly after arrival. This incident underscores the volatility on campuses, where political and social tensions often boil over into violence.
Human Rights Violations and Governmental Repercussions
Following Sheikh Hasina’s ousting, reports of widespread human rights abuses have surfaced, including mass arrests, extrajudicial killings, and attacks on political rivals. Since her exile to India, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohammed Yunus has taken interim control of the government. Senior members of Hasina’s administration have been arrested, and many appointees purged from the judiciary and central bank.
Amid these events, at least 25 journalists tied to Hasina’s regime have been detained, as the interim government attempts to restore order. The international community watches closely as Bangladesh grapples with this period of intense political upheaval.