Rajshahi, July 23 (V7N) – Rajshahi College, one of Bangladesh’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, is facing growing concerns over a steady rise in the presence of outsiders on campus, threatening the academic environment and overall safety of students.

Students allege that due to weak security measures, unauthorized individuals now enter the campus regularly and engage in disruptive activities. These include smoking in public areas, playing loud music, filming TikTok videos, and reckless motorcycle riding—all of which are causing distress and discomfort among students.

According to students, the presence of outsiders has increased alarmingly, even during regular class hours. The college field, once open to the public only after 2 PM, now sees outsiders engaging in sports and other activities from early morning. Unauthorized fishing in the Padma pond, issuing threats to students and staff, and using political influence to evade accountability have become regular occurrences.

A college employee, requesting anonymity, stated that confronting outsiders often leads to threats of personal harm, making it difficult for staff to intervene. “If we try to stop them, they intimidate us. It’s impossible to act unless the administration steps in,” the staff member added.

Motorcycles driven at high speeds across campus have also become a daily nuisance, posing safety hazards for students walking between classes. Despite repeated complaints, students claim no effective measures have been taken by the administration to curb such behavior.

Rajshahi College had previously been declared a smoke-free zone, but that policy is no longer visibly enforced. The area behind the central mosque has turned into a regular hangout spot for smokers. “You can see people smoking there from morning until evening. There is no monitoring,” said Abdul Hakim, a Master’s student.

He also pointed out that the backside of the mathematics building is frequently used for smoking and other drug-related activities. “There is no longer a culture of discipline here. The administration makes promises, but in reality, nothing is enforced. Outsiders walk freely on campus even during lectures, threatening students and causing frequent disruptions.”

Hakim further noted a decline in the cleanliness of the campus. “Earlier, students would pick up trash to keep the campus clean. That sense of responsibility is now gone, and the administration’s negligence is to blame. If immediate action is not taken, the situation will deteriorate further,” he warned.

Former principal Professor Md. Habibur Rahman emphasized the need for a coordinated effort among administrators, students, and staff to restore discipline on campus. He recommended establishing a monitoring team to control outsider access, prevent smoking, and ensure a secure learning environment.

Current principal Professor Md. Zuhur Ali acknowledged the issue and said the college’s discipline committee is actively working. “If any specific problems are reported, we will take necessary action,” he assured.

As one of the oldest educational institutions in the region, Rajshahi College holds a significant place in the country’s academic history. Students and faculty members are now calling on the administration to protect that legacy by implementing strict campus control measures and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for learning.

END/MRA/SMA/