JnU students protest against mob justice and attacks on minorities

Students of Jagannath University (JnU) staged a protest rally and human chain on Monday to denounce the rising incidents of mob justice across the country.

The demonstration was initiated by students belonging to the Sanatan (Hindu) religious community and held at the university's Shanto Chattar. Leaders and activists of the JnU units of Chhatra Dal and the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad expressed solidarity and joined the protest.

Following the rally, students marched across the campus chanting slogans such as: "Ami ke, tumi ke? Bangladeshi, Bangladeshi", "Stop violence in the name of religion", and "Protect minorities, protect democracy."

Saurabh Deb, a student from the Institute of Modern Languages, said, "Bangladesh belongs to all of us, and everyone has an equal right to live. Yet, we are seeing repeated targeted attacks on religious minorities. We urge the interim government to take swift and effective action to stop this."

AKM Rakib, President of the JnU unit of the Chhatra Adhikar Parishad, stated, "Religious minorities, including Hindus, are facing planned and repeated attacks. Unfortunately, the government has failed to respond in a timely manner. We demand strong and exemplary action against those inciting and organizing these mobs."

Shamsul Arefin, Member Secretary of the JnU unit of Chhatra Dal, said, "For centuries, people of this country have lived in harmony. But now, minorities are being labeled and attacked through orchestrated mob campaigns. We call on both the interim and future governments to take decisive action against those involved in such violence."

Mehedi Hasan Himel, Convener of JnU Chhatra Dal, added, "Our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us that every individual has the right to practice their religion freely. For the past 17 years, we have witnessed numerous attacks on minorities. But we must remember-religion is personal, the state belongs to all. The interim government must ensure proper investigation and justice." Students from various departments of the university participated in the protest.