CU authorities suspend shuttle train service ‘to maintain peace on campus’

Chittagong University (CU) authorities have suspended the shuttle train service ‘to avert trouble and maintain peace on the campus’ amid the ongoing quota movement.

Students demonstrating for quota reform alleged that the authorities suspended the train service to prevent the quota activists from going to the campus.

CU Proctor Professor Dr Ohidul Alam said, "We stopped the service on the basis of information that a group of people will come to the campus by shuttle train from the city to disrupt peace and discipline on the campus. We will monitor the situation throughout the day. If discipline is maintained, the train will run from Wednesday.”

Due to the closure of the train, students who travel to the campus from the city are facing transportation problems, UNB reports.

Rezwanur Rahman, a student of the Department of Botany, said, "Shuttle is our only vehicle. You have to go to the city for different needs. The campus is 22 kilometres away from the city. When I get on the bus, I'm tired. I don't understand how collisions are avoided by blocking shuttles. Those who want to go to the movement will leave anyway. But those who go to the city for necessary work are suffering.

CU Proctor Prof Dr Ohidul Alam said, "We have come to know from intelligence agencies that there may be a clash between the students of the university if the shuttle is running. Considering the overall situation, the shuttle train of the university has been closed to avoid clashes.

Earlier on Monday, BCL activists attacked the students who were demonstrating against quota on the CU campus. Pictures and videos of homemade weapons being used in the attack have been circulated.

CU student Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi was picked up by BCL activists from the shuttle train at noon. Later, they were forced to release him in the proctor's office under pressure from the protesters.

Rezwanur Rahman, a student of the Department of Botany, said, "Shuttle is our only vehicle. You have to go to the city for different needs. The campus is 22 kilometres away from the city. I don't understand how a clash can be avoided by suspending the shuttle train. Those who want to join the movement will do so anyway. But those who go to the city for necessary work are suffering.”

Earlier on Monday, BCL activists attacked the students who are demonstrating against quota on the CU campus.

Pictures and videos of homemade weapons used in the attack have been circulated on social media.

CU student Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi was allegedly picked up by BCL activists from the shuttle train at noon.

Later, they were forced to release him in the proctor's office under pressure from the protesters.