The Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force has denied any involvement of its members in the assault of a Rajshahi University student at Rajshahi Railway Station.
In a statement issued on Monday, the force said a report published by Prothom Alo had referred to alleged involvement of Ansar members in the incident. However, it said the information was incorrect and did not reflect the actual circumstances.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at around 11pm on Sunday when an “unwanted incident” took place between the university student and members of the Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB), or Railway Security Force, at the station.
Following the incident, Rajshahi University students held demonstrations, formed a human chain and chanted slogans in protest.
The Ansar authorities said some protesting students mistakenly identified the RNB personnel as Ansar members because the night uniforms worn by the railway security personnel resembled those of Ansar members.
The students later learned that the individuals involved were members of the RNB, not Ansar, the statement said.
According to an office order issued by the railway authorities, four RNB members involved in the incident have been temporarily suspended.
The Ansar and Village Defence Force said no Ansar member was involved in the assault and urged media outlets and others to verify information before publishing reports.
It also called for necessary corrections to reports that identified Ansar members as being involved in the incident, saying such reports could unnecessarily damage the reputation of the disciplined force.
