RU student's body found in campus swimming pool

The body of a female student at Rajshahi University (RU) was found from the university's swimming pool yesterday.

The student was identified as Sayma Hossain, a student of the Department of Social Science from the 2020–21 academic session, said Proctor Prof Mahbubur Rahman.

Originally from Kushtia, Sayma was a resident of RU Monnujan Hall.

Eyewitness Taufiq Rahman said, "We were playing near the gym when the incident occurred. By the time we pulled her out of the pool, it was too late. She had been underwater for more than five minutes."

The proctor said the university authorities rushed her to the medical centre upon receiving the news.

"The body is undergoing preliminary examination. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the autopsy," he added.

Dr Shankar, media spokesperson of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said Sayma was brought dead. The body has been sent to the morgue for further procedures, he said.

In a press release issued by the Rajshahi University (RU) Public Relations Office at approximately 11:30 pm yesterday, the university authorities announced the formation of a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident.

The committee, chaired by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Md Farid Uddin Khan, comprises three faculty members and one student representative.

According to the statement, the committee has been tasked with reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, evaluating the medical response at the RU medical centre, identifying any lapses in responsibility, and providing recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in future.

The committee has been instructed to submit a preliminary report within 72 hours and a comprehensive report within 10 working days. The university swimming pool will remain closed until the investigation is concluded.

Earlier in the evening, at around 9:30 pm, several students staged a sit-in protest outside the Vice Chancellor's residence, demanding justice and accountability.

The demonstration was called off at approximately 11:30 pm following assurances from the vice chancellor of a fair and transparent investigation.