BRUR Correspondent: Students, teachers and other employees of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) on Friday formed a human chain and staged a protest rally on the university campus demanding unconditional release of Md. Mahmudul Haque, an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, who has been arrested in a murder case.
Organised by the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, the protest programmes held at the university's Media Square began at 11:30 AM on Friday.
In solidarity with the protests, teachers, officials, staff, and students of other departments also took part in the protest rally when it reached at the main gate after the Jummah prayer.
At the protest rally, speakers alleged that Professor Mahmudul Haque has been framed in a false as part of a conspiracy as per an attempt of harassing him to his active role in last year's July movement.
Professor Nazrul Islam, a teacher in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, "Even though Mahmudul Haque is the last accused in the case, he was arrested first. This is nothing but planned harassment."
Mahmudul Haque's wife and child also spoke at the human chain. They stated, there was no prior notice or lawyer present during his arrest. He was framed with a fabricated charge-sheet. He is innocent and the sole support of his family.
Student Shahriar Sohag said, "This false case must be withdrawn, and Sir's release must be ensured within 24 hours. Otherwise, we will blockade the police station and undertake stricter programs, and those involved in such conspiracies must be brought to justice swiftly."
At the end of the rally, the students demanded immediate release of Mahmudul Haque and formation of an investigation committee within 48 hours.
They also issued warning of boycotting classes and exams starting from the next working day.
It's worth noting that during last year's July movement, Professor Mahmudul Haque had demanded a judicial inquiry. His arrest in a July movement case, 10 months after the movement, has caused intense anger among the teachers and students.
