The students of Nilphamari organized a human chain protest today, Sunday (April 19), demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in the brutal attack on a madrasa teacher in Chouddagram, Cumilla.
The protest, organized by the general students of Nilphamari Government College, took place in front of the college's administrative building from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Faculty members of the college also joined the program to express their solidarity with the students' demands.
Khairul Islam, a teacher at Gopalnagar Mohila Alim Madrasa in Chouddagram, Cumilla, was recently subjected to a vicious physical assault. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Nilphamari, as the victim is a permanent resident of the Dimla Upazila in this district.
The human chain was presided over by Zohurul Islam Mirat, a Master's student in the Mathematics department. In his speech, he expressed his frustration regarding the safety of educators:
"It is a matter of national shame if a teacher is not safe at his own workplace. Khairul Islam is a son of Nilphamari. The way he was tortured is unacceptable. This is not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on the entire teaching community."
Solaiman Ali, a lecturer in the Department of Islamic History and Culture at Nilphamari Government College, urged the government to take legislative action. He stated, "Teachers are the architects of a nation. We demand the immediate formulation of a 'Teacher Protection Act' to ensure the safety of all teachers, especially those serving in distant locations away from their home districts."
The protesters specifically demanded the arrest and exemplary punishment of Jahangir Hossain, the head of the institution, accusing him of being the mastermind and instigator behind the attack.
Other student speakers at the event included:
Nazmul Islam Kajol (4th year, Department of Zoology)
Imdadul Haque Milon (4th year, Department of English)
The demonstrators warned of further programs if the authorities fail to ensure justice for Khairul Islam promptly.
