Following an attack by outsiders, tensions escalated at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), prompting the Syndicate to announce an indefinite closure of the campus and order students to vacate halls. However, many students refused to leave and continued protests, presenting six demands.
Despite the administration accepting all demands, 227 teachers were held hostage for nearly eight hours inside the Zainul Abedin Auditorium. Several elderly, ill, and pregnant teachers suffered in the intense heat without food or water. The administration refrained from using force and repeatedly urged the protesting students to resolve the issue through discussion — efforts that were ignored.
The unrest stems from students of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science demanding a combined degree to improve job prospects. In response, the university formed a committee that engaged stakeholders — including faculty, government officials, and professional councils — and presented six unanimously approved recommendations at an Academic Council meeting.
While the initial response from students was positive, the situation quickly turned hostile, allegedly influenced by an external group. Protesters locked the auditorium, labelling concerned family members and university staff as "outsiders" and obstructing teacher release.
After hours of confinement, unknown individuals broke the auditorium gates, allowing teachers to exit. Some clashes occurred, and several students were reportedly injured, for which the university expressed regret.
A Syndicate emergency meeting later handed over law and order responsibilities to district authorities and suspended all academic activities. The administration has vowed to investigate and ensure disciplinary action against those responsible for inciting unrest.
