Over the past four and a half decades, 37 teachers and students have been killed in politically motivated violence at Rajshahi University. Among the victims were four teachers and 33 students from various political organizations. Most of these killings, which occurred between 1982 and 2026, remain unresolved, with perpetrators often escaping justice due to political influence, administrative inaction, or lack of proper investigation.

The incidents stemmed from campus power struggles, hall control, extortion, and national political movements. The first killing occurred in 1982 during a clash between the Islami Chhatra Shibir and a coalition of left-leaning student groups. Subsequent years saw repeated violence involving Shibir, Chhatra League, Chhatra Dal, and other organizations. Several teacher murders, including those of Professors Taher, Yunus, Shafiul Islam Lilon, and Rezaul Karim Siddique, also shook the campus.

University officials and student leaders expressed differing views on the causes and accountability. Police cited witness shortages and lack of follow-up by plaintiffs, while student leaders blamed political interference. The university proctor stated that student politics remains allowed but expressed hope that past patterns of violence will not return.