CU authorities stop commuter train service

Chittagong University (CU) authorities have suspended commuter train services “to avert unrest and maintain peace on campus” as the quota movement continues.

Students demonstrating for quota reform claimed that the authorities had stopped train services to prevent the quota activists from continuing to campus.

CU Proctor Professor Dr Ohidul Alam said, “We have suspended the train service because it has come to our attention that a group of people will come to the campus on a commuter train from the city to disturb peace and order on the campus. We will monitor the situation throughout the day. If order is maintained, the train will run from Wednesday.”

Due to the train closure, students traveling from the city to campus are facing transportation problems.

Rezwanur Rahman, a student of the botany department, said, “The shuttle is our only means of transportation. For various purposes, one has to go to the city. The campus is 22 kilometers from the city. When I get on the bus, I feel tired. I don’t understand how to avoid collisions by blocking the shuttle. Those who want to exercise will go anyway. But those who go to the city for necessary work suffer.”

CU Proctor Prof. Dr. Ohidul Alam said, “We have come to know from intelligence agencies that there might be clashes between the university students when the shuttle runs. Given the overall situation, the university shuttle train has been closed to avoid clashes.”

On Monday, BCL activists attacked students protesting against the quota on the CU campus. Pictures and videos of homemade weapons used in the attack are circulating.

CU student Khan Talat Mahmud Rafi was picked up from the shuttle train by BCL activists at noon. They were later forced to release him in the supervisor’s office under pressure from protesters.

Rezwanur Rahman, a student of the Faculty of Botany, said, “The shuttle is our only means of transport. For various purposes, one has to go to the city. The campus is 22 kilometers from the city. I don’t understand how clashes can be avoided by stopping the shuttle train. Those who want to join the movement will do so anyway. But those who go to the city for essential work are suffering.”

Already on Monday, BCL activists attacked students who were demonstrating against the quota on the CU campus.

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

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

Later, in Proctor’s office, they were forced to release him under pressure from protesters.