Case Filed Against 22 PSTU Teachers and Officials Over Alleged Assault on Van Driver

A case has been filed against 22 teachers, officials, and employees of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) for allegedly assaulting a van driver, attempting to murder him, looting goods, and issuing threats.

Md. Bashir Uddin, president of the Piratola Bonik Samity, filed the case on behalf of the victim, Md. Ayub Ali, at the Patuakhali Chief Judicial Magistrate Court (Dumki Cognizance Court) on Tuesday (May 19).

According to the case statement, Ayub Ali had parked his van loaded with market goods near PSTU’s No. 1 East Gate. The accused ordered him to leave the area immediately. When Ayub delayed, he was allegedly dragged inside the university premises and severely beaten with local weapons.

The complaint specifically names PSTU Security Officer Md. Mukit, accusing him of striking the victim’s head with a sharp weapon, causing severe bleeding. Other accused individuals allegedly punched, kicked, and beat the driver with sticks.

The complainant also claimed that goods worth nearly Tk 100,000—including sugar, edible oil, and spices—were looted from the van during the attack, and the victim was subsequently confined in a room.

Local residents later rescued Ayub and admitted him to the Dumki Upazila Health Complex, where he underwent treatment from May 14 to May 16.

The 22 accused include high-ranking faculty and administrative staff: Security Officer Md. Mukit, Md. Mohibullah Rubel (Food and Nutrition), Assistant Registrar Riaz Kanchan Shahid, Section Officer Shahadat Hossain Nantu, Professor Md. Atikur Rahman (Entomology), Associate Professor A.B.M. Saiful Islam (Soil Science), Professor Abul Bashar Khan (Economics and Sociology), Farm Superintendent Ariful Islam Noman, Professor Md. Shahabubul Alam (Animal Science), Professor Swapan Foujdari (Poultry Science), Deputy Registrar Abu Bakar Siddique, Professor Khokon Hossain (Physics), Deputy Registrar Rahat Mahmud, Deputy Registrar Habib Md. Tushar, Professor Mahbubur Rahman (Agroforestry), Sohel Rana Jony, Office Assistant Md. Anisur Rahman, Director of Finance and Accounts Md. Jasim Uddin, Section Officer Kazi Kaiyum, Office Assistant Dolon Mahmud, Engineer Saiful Islam, and Deputy Registrar Kamruzzaman.

The court has accepted the case under various sections of the Penal Code 1860, including unlawful assembly, causing hurt with dangerous weapons, theft, attempt to murder, and criminal intimidation.

Dumki Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Selim Uddin confirmed the matter, stating, "For a detailed and impartial investigation, the court has transferred the case to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), Patuakhali District Unit. Further legal actions will follow court directives."