Allegations have surfaced against leaders and activists of Begum Rokeya University unit Chatra Dal Dal for attacking and obstructing a press conference organised  to demand the resignation of the university’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Shawkat Ali over alleged irregularities and corruption.

The incident took place on Friday around 3:00 pm of the main gate area of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR).

According to witnesses and organisers, a group of students led by Physics Department student Hafizur Rahman Siam gathered at the pre-announced venue to hold a press conference highlighting various allegations against the VC and demanding his resignation.

At that time, leaders and activists of the university unit Chatradal  Dal allegedly obstructed the  programme. At one stage, they reportedly removed the table arranged for the press conference and harassed the organisers by grabbing collars.

Victim and complainant Hafizur Rahman Siam said the press conference had been called based on “specific allegations” against the Vice-Chancellor and not on any fabricated claims.

“Later, the Registrar came and said that he would listen to the allegations. During the discussion, members of Chatradal Dal tagged me,” he alleged.

Siam further claimed that Chatradal Dal Joint General Secretary Rifat Rafi, assault him after branding him a Chhatra League activist.

Rejecting the allegation, Rifat Rafi said Hafizur Rahman Siam had been a Chhatra League activist and was now trying to destabilise the university by implementing the agenda of the banned organisation.

University Proctor Ferdous Rahman, said he had gone to the spot and was speaking with the student who had called the press conference.

“At one stage, a former student of the university arrived there, which created the chaos,” he added.