A heart emoji, an alleged beating: CU student handed to police over suspected Chhatra League links

A Chittagong University (CU) student was allegedly slapped and beaten by fellow students over suspected links to the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League before being handed over to police today.

Muntasir Marju, a student of the 2022-23 academic session in the Department of Political Science and a resident of AF Rahman Hall, was detained and questioned by fellow students at his hall. He was later taken to the university’s proctor’s office and handed over to Hathazari Police.

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According to CU administration officials and Cucsu leaders, a photograph showing Cucsu and Islami Chhatra Shibir leaders patrolling the campus on motorcycles was posted on social media yesterday, ahead of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s birthday today.

A reply to the post included a screenshot of a message attributed to former CU Chhatra League leader Abrar Shahriar. It read: “The keys to the bikes you use for showdowns are in our hands; the halls where you live can face anything at any time at our signal!”

Muntasir came under suspicion after reacting to the post with a heart emoji. He was taken to the hall parliament room for questioning, where his phone was checked. Cucsu leaders claimed it contained a long history of WhatsApp conversations with Abrar Shahriar.

Shahin Ahmed, a student of political science and a witness to the incident, said, “Muntasir was first taken to the hall parliament room and questioned. Later, Cucsu leader Monayem Sharif arrived. At that point, a few students slapped him. He was then taken to the proctor’s office in a rickshaw.”

Monayem Sharif, Cucsu’s secretary for Liberation War and democratic movements, claimed evidence of conspiracy was found on Muntasir’s phone. “After review, the proctor informed police. Muntasir should be permanently expelled and face legal action,” he said.

Muntasir denied any links to Chhatra League. “My name is not on any committee, and I have never been involved with the organisation. I had been in contact with Abrar before July [2024] to exchange information about events. I never joined rallies or meetings. I was hit on the back and slapped,” he said.

CU Proctor Prof Md Kamrul Hossain confirmed students detained Muntasir and checked his phone before informing the administration. “As it involves criminal and legal issues, we informed police. They took him for legal proceedings. I did not witness any physical assault in my presence,” he added.

Hathazari Police Station OC Zahidur Rahman confirmed Muntasir had been brought to the station. “No case has been filed yet,” he said.