GS Ammar Sparks Growing Campus Controversy

At Rajshahi University (RU), students and faculty alike have expressed mounting frustration over the erratic and aggressive behaviour of Rashahi University Central Students’ Union (RACSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar. Witnesses describe Ammar as wholly reckless in his body language, conduct, and public statements, frequently disregarding norms of decorum and responding disproportionately to trivial matters. While he was absent from campus following the 13th National Parliamentary elections, his recent return has seen a resumption of disruptive actions, with no discernible change in his behaviour.

Recent Incident Escalates Tensions

On Monday, Ammar became embroiled in a heated confrontation with Mehedi Maruf, president of the Students’ Rights Council (RU chapter), and several other student leaders at the RACSU building. Eyewitnesses report that Ammar repeatedly leapt from his chair, adopting a threatening stance, and issued verbal threats. Video footage of the incident quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism.

The confrontation followed a Facebook post on 28 February by Mehedi Maruf, criticising RACSU for prioritising non-mandatory over mandatory activities. Ammar responded publicly with a provocative comment, which Maruf and colleagues later challenged in person. Ammar initially denied targeting Maruf but quickly became agitated, resulting in a verbal altercation characterised by his signature threatening gestures.

Maruf told reporters, “Ammar’s behaviour is symptomatic of a broader pattern of moral and psychological decline. On social media, he frequently uses offensive and abusive language, targeting both students and faculty.” Maruf and other stakeholders plan to formally request university authorities, including the Vice-Chancellor, to investigate and take disciplinary action.

Faculty Concerns and Cyber Intimidation

Teachers report that Ammar maintains a network of online “bot accounts” which harass anyone who criticises him, extending even to faculty members. This has created a climate of fear, with many avoiding speaking out. One senior professor commented, “While Ammar is an elected student representative, his overall behaviour is neither mature nor student-like. His repeated use of intimidation undermines the university’s academic environment.”

Incidents of Ammar’s controversial actions over the past 18 months include:

Administrative Response and Calls for Action

Despite repeated complaints, university investigations remain pending. Vice-Provost Professor Farid Uddin Khan acknowledged the faculty’s concerns, stating, “Ammar’s reckless and aggressive conduct has left both staff and students distressed. Two inquiry committees have been formed, but reports are yet to be submitted. Appropriate action will follow once findings are received.”

RACSU GS Ammar, however, defends his actions, claiming that his interventions protect ordinary students’ rights and that accusations of misconduct are politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.

Nevertheless, the broader academic community remains alarmed. Multiple teachers’ associations have issued statements condemning Ammar’s behaviour, arguing that his unchecked aggression is damaging the university’s image and creating an environment of intimidation and moral erosion.

The mounting unrest at Rajshahi University reflects deepening concerns over student leadership accountability and the urgent need for institutional oversight to preserve campus decorum.