Summary:
- Burnt copies of the Holy Qur’an were discovered in five residential halls at Rajshahi University, sparking outrage and protests.
- The incident is suspected to be a deliberate attempt to incite communal unrest, with symbols also drawn on hall walls.
- A nine-member investigation committee has been formed, tasked with delivering reports within seven working days.
- Students staged protests on campus, while university authorities urged calm and increased security to maintain harmony.
Rajshahi University (RU) has been thrust into the spotlight following a distressing incident involving the desecration of the Holy Qur’an in multiple residential halls. Early on Sunday, January 12, 2025, students discovered burnt copies of the Qur’an at several locations, including Syed Ameer Ali Hall, Shaheed Habibur Rahman Hall, Motihar Hall, Madar Bakhsh Hall, and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall. The incident has provoked widespread condemnation and heightened tensions on campus.
According to eyewitness accounts, the desecration likely occurred during the night prior to its discovery. One student residing at Syed Ameer Ali Hall stated, “In the morning, I saw burnt copies of the Qur’an at the open stage of our hall. It was clearly an intentional act meant to provoke unrest.” In addition to burning religious texts, vandals reportedly left symbols and markings on hall walls. The motive behind this act remains unclear, but students and faculty alike suspect it was a deliberate attempt to incite communal discord.
The university administration swiftly responded by forming a nine-member investigation committee led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib. During an emergency press briefing held at 12:30 PM in the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Senate Building, the Vice-Chancellor condemned the act as a “heinous conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony and interfaith unity at Rajshahi University.” He urged students and staff to remain calm while assuring that those responsible would face justice. The committee has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within three working days and a final report within seven.
The desecration has ignited protests across campus, with hundreds of students staging demonstrations along Paris Road. Protesters held placards demanding accountability and chanted slogans denouncing the attack on their religious beliefs. Social media platforms have also been inundated with posts condemning the incident and calling for severe punishment for those involved.
Syed Ameer Ali Hall Provost Professor Harunur Rashid expressed his outrage, stating that “no act of religious disrespect can be tolerated.” He emphasized that such incidents threaten the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities within the university. Meanwhile, Islamic scholar Professor Mujibur Rahman described the act as “despicable” and called for immediate action to prevent further unrest.
In light of heightened tensions, university authorities have increased security measures across campus. Senior officials have urged vigilance against any groups attempting to exploit the situation for political or ideological gains. The administration has also appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders in maintaining peace.
This incident marks a significant challenge for Rajshahi University as it grapples with preserving its long-standing tradition of interfaith harmony. While investigations are underway, students and faculty alike await answers—and justice—for an act that has shaken their community to its core.
Source: Jamuna TV
