A Shahjalal University of Science and Technology student was held at knifepoint, robbed and injured in Sylhet’s Goabari tea garden area at about 9pm on Saturday. Local residents helped detain one of the three alleged robbers, who was later handed over to police. The victim was identified as Md Habibullah Mesbah, a 2021-22 academic session student in the university’s statistics department.

University administration sources said Mesbah had gone to teach private tuition in Kucharpur, Goabari, at 7pm. While returning after the tuition, he was stopped near the foreign, Nepali hostel of Ragib-Rabeya Medical College. Three assailants allegedly took him into a nearby tea garden and stole his mobile phone, wallet and cash. Mesbah said they also struck him with a sharp weapon after taking his money and phone.

Mesbah said he sought help from locals while injured, leading to the immediate detention of one suspect. No case had been filed by the time of reporting, although the university proctor, Professor Mokhlesur Rahman, said steps were being taken to file one. Jalalabad police station officer-in-charge Shamsul Habib said legal action would follow if a case is lodged.