Rajshahi, Oct 27 (V7N) — Students at Rajshahi University staged a late-night protest on Sunday, surrounding the Vice-Chancellor’s residence after a student drowned while swimming in the university pool earlier in the day. The demonstration began around 9:30 p.m. and continued until nearly midnight, demanding justice and accountability for the student’s death.

The deceased, identified as Saima Hossain, was a fourth-year student of the Department of Sociology and a resident of Mannujan Hall. Originally from Kushtia district, Saima was participating in a swimming session when she drowned. She was rescued and taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead upon arrival.

Dr. Shankar Kumar Biswas, the on-duty emergency physician at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, confirmed the death, saying, “She was brought in already deceased. The exact cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.”

In response to the tragedy, the university authorities formed a four-member investigation committee headed by Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Farid Uddin Khan. The committee has been instructed to submit a preliminary report within 72 hours and a full report within 10 working days. Pending the outcome, the university’s swimming pool will remain closed.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib met the protesting students around 10:45 p.m. and assured them of a fair investigation. “We have already spoken to those who were present at the scene and to medical officials. Faculty and student representatives have been included in the committee to ensure transparency,” he told students, requesting calm until the report is submitted.

Following the Vice-Chancellor’s assurance, students gradually dispersed, though they vowed to continue monitoring the investigation process.

During the protest, students chanted slogans such as “Who killed Saima? Administration must answer!” and “Justice for Saima!” expressing frustration over what they described as recurring negligence by university authorities.

Raju University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) Vice President and Islami Chhatra Shibir President Mostakur Rahman Zahid said, “We don’t want to see such tragedies happen again. The administration must ensure justice for Saima’s death.”

RUCSU General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar questioned why Saima, who reportedly suffered from respiratory problems, was allowed to participate in swimming activities without a fitness assessment. “The administration must provide a complete roadmap for medical and sports safety on campus,” he added.

University spokespersons stated that the investigation will focus on the circumstances leading up to the incident, the rescue efforts, and medical response procedures to determine accountability and prevent future occurrences.

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