Comilla University seeks stronger security measures after Oprotim’s killing

Comilla University authorities today held a meeting with government agencies, law enforcement officials, students and local stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at strengthening student safety on and around the campus following the recent killing of 13-year-old Ishiat Shahriar Oprotim.

The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr MM Shariful Hasan, focused on the law and order situation, activities of teen gangs, drug abuse, and the security of students while commuting.

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Representatives from the district administration, police, SRB, Department of Narcotics Control, Cumilla City Corporation, Cumilla Development Authority, Cumilla Medical College, Cumilla WASA and the Roads and Highways Department attended the meeting. Teachers, students, local land owners, businesspeople, residents and members of civil society were also present.

Participants expressed concern over student safety in the Kotbari tourist area, the growing influence of teen gangs in different parts of the city, and the risk of drug abuse among students.

They also called for better regulation of CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other vehicles, and sought priority medical treatment for university students at Cumilla Medical College Hospital.

Among the recommendations were establishing a police outpost near the university, increasing security patrols, completing the long-delayed underpass on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, intensifying anti-drug drives, installing street lighting in key areas, and taking action against illegal auto-rickshaws.

Participants also urged authorities to widen the road from Kotbari through Tomchom Bridge to Cumilla Medical College to improve student safety and ease traffic congestion.

The meeting stressed the need for stronger coordination among the university administration, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for students.

Among those who spoke at the meeting were Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr MM Shariful Hasan, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Luthfur Rahman, Cumilla Development Authority Chairman Uthbatul Bari Abu, Cumilla WASA Chairman Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Washim, and Oprotim's father Shahriar.