In a dramatic revelation, Assistant Professor Dr. Rajibul Islam, Head of the Forensic Department at Rangpur Medical College, has claimed that the post-mortem report of the martyred Abu Sayeed was revised six times under pressure and intimidation, purportedly to alter its findings.
He alleged that former Vice Principal Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, who is now the college’s newly appointed principal, exerted undue influence to modify the findings in the report in attempt to mask the cause of death as injuries rather than gunshot wounds, amid threats from Dhaka officials.
Speaking at a public protest on Thursday (31 October) afternoon in front of Rangpur Medical College, Dr Islam disclosed that he was subjected to mental harassment and threats due to his role in handling Abu Sayeed’s post-mortem report, which documented the martyr's chest riddled with bullet wounds.
Despite six rounds of revisions, the report allegedly remained unsatisfactory for those exerting pressure, as the narrative failed to align with desired conclusions, suggesting the death was due to general injuries rather than gunfire in the political movement.
The ongoing protests, led by a coalition of anti-discrimination doctors, staff, and students, have seen participants gather en masse at Rangpur Medical College, demanding Dr Mahfuzur Rahman’s resignation within three days.
Protestors threatened a complete shutdown of campus activities should their demands go unmet.
Riyaz Sharif Limon, an intern doctor and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, spoke candidly, accusing Dr Rahman of conspiring over Abu Sayeed’s report within the confines of the medical institution.
“We demand his immediate resignation as Principal and removal from Rangpur Medical College,” Limon declared, cautioning that the student and faculty coalition would enforce a campus closure if the demands remain unheeded.
In response, two hours following the students' ultimatum, Dr Mahfuzur Rahman held a press conference at the Ryan’s Hotel conference room in Rangpur.
He categorically denied the allegations, asserting his apolitical stance and claiming that external parties were conspiring against him.
Dr Rahman alleged that certain figures from outside the institution were inciting students against him, manipulating his recent appointment as principal to further their own agenda.
He indicated his willingness to resign should the interim government desire his departure.
Throughout the day, faculty and students voiced concerns over Dr Rahman’s alleged attempts to misrepresent Abu Sayeed’s death in the post-mortem report, as well as his history of favouritism and affiliations with a banned faction of the Chhatra League during his tenure as vice principal under the former Awami League-led government.
“This movement will continue until he steps down,” stated a protestor, underscoring the mounting tension on campus.
Dr Mahfuzur Rahman was formally appointed as principal on 29 October, following his tenure as Vice Principal at Rangpur Medical College.
