Summary:
- BUET students protested on December 21, 2024, demanding justice for the death of their classmate Muhtasim Masud, killed by a reckless driver under the influence.
- The protesters rejected settlement attempts and condemned misinformation campaigns portraying the incident as an accident.
- Five demands were made, including exemplary punishment for the culprits, compensation for Masud’s family, and better road safety measures.
- Police confirmed the suspects were intoxicated during the crash and charged them under the Road Transport Act.
On December 21, 2024, students of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) staged a powerful protest at the university’s Shaheed Minar, demanding justice for the death of their classmate Muhtasim Masud and urgent reforms to ensure road safety. The protest was sparked by a fatal incident on December 19, when a reckless driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, struck and killed Masud while injuring two other BUET students on Purbachal’s 300 Feet Road.
The deceased, 22-year-old Muhtasim Masud, was a second-year Computer Science and Engineering student from Dhaka. The two injured students, Amit Saha and Mehedi Hasan, are also undergoing treatment for critical injuries. Police reports confirmed that the driver of the private car, Mubin Al Mamun, son of a retired brigadier general, was intoxicated at the time of the crash. Two other passengers in the car were also arrested.
During the protest, BUET students voiced their outrage over attempts to downplay the incident as an accident. “This was no accident but a reckless act by an intoxicated driver that resulted in murder,” one student declared. They condemned efforts by influential parties to obstruct justice through misinformation campaigns and settlement attempts. “We reject all forms of intimidation or settlement proposals,” another student emphasized.
The protesters presented five key demands to the government:
- Ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible for the incident.
- Cover all medical expenses for the injured victims.
- Provide appropriate compensation to Masud’s family.
- Prevent any misuse of influence to derail justice.
- Strengthen road safety measures nationwide to prevent future tragedies.
This incident has reignited concerns about road safety in Bangladesh, where traffic accidents claim thousands of lives annually. Students recalled similar movements in 2018 when nationwide protests led to the enactment of the Road Transport Act. However, they criticized its inadequate enforcement and called for stricter implementation.
The police have confirmed that all three suspects tested positive for drugs and have been charged under the Road Transport Act. They are currently in custody pending further investigation.
The BUET community remains resolute in their call for justice and systemic change. As one protesting student stated, “No one should be above the law—this is about ensuring safety for everyone on our roads.” Their demands echo a broader national sentiment for accountability and safer transportation systems in Bangladesh.
Source: Somoy News
