Students of Dhaka University have laid siege to Shahbagh Police Station demanding the immediate arrest of those involved in the murder of Shahriar Alam Samya, a leader of the university's Chhatra Dal unit.
The demonstration began around noon on Friday (May 16), as students gathered in front of the police station and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to authorities to apprehend the killers.
Earlier in the day, a protest march set off from the Raju Memorial Sculpture and proceeded to Shahbagh Police Station. There, demonstrators chanted slogans calling for justice and accountability. A delegation of student representatives later entered the station to meet with senior police officials and discuss the progress of the investigation.
Protesting students accused the authorities of protecting the prime suspect for political reasons. They also alleged that the suspect was aided in escaping custody under police supervision and that monetary transactions were involved in covering up the crime.
Following Friday prayers, a Milad Mahfil was held seeking divine forgiveness for Samya's soul.
Samya was the Literature and Publication Secretary of Chhatra Dal’s units at both the Institute of Education and Research and Sir AF Rahman Hall of Dhaka University.
He was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants on the night of Tuesday, May 13, near the Kalimandir gate at Suhrawardy Udyan.
So far, three individuals—Tamim Hawlader (30), Samrat Mallik (28), and Palash Sardar (30)—have been arrested in connection with the murder and sent to jail by the court.
Over the past three days, Chhatra Dal and general students have been holding various protest programs condemning the killing and demanding justice.
