A student of University of Dhaka was allegedly abducted and brutally assaulted by a group of individuals after he shared a Facebook post about the historic 7 March Speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sparking outrage among fellow students and rights observers.
The victim, Rahid Khan Pavel, is a student of the Philosophy Department from the 2020–21 academic session. According to fellow students and witnesses, he was later handed over to Shahbagh Police Station in an injured and bloodied condition.
Sources said Pavel, who lost his father at an early age, supports his education and family expenses by working as a private tutor. Friends say he has no known affiliation with any political organization.
The incident reportedly took place late at night when Pavel went to eat sehri at Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, BUET at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology campus. Witnesses alleged that a group of individuals suddenly detained him during the meal and accused him of being linked to the banned student organization Bangladesh Chhatra League.
They reportedly held him for a prolonged period and subjected him to severe physical assault, including punches and beatings. When he became seriously injured, the attackers allegedly left him at Shahbagh Police Station in a bloodied state.
The victim also claimed that his mobile phone, wallet and motorcycle keys were taken during the incident.
News of the alleged assault quickly spread on social media, triggering strong reactions among students and members of civil society. Many have condemned the incident, describing it as an example of “mob justice” and an attack on freedom of expression.
Classmates and well-wishers of Pavel have demanded his immediate release and proper medical treatment. They have also called on authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
