Rajshahi University became a major centre of resistance during the anti-discrimination student movement, with events from July 16 to 20 reshaping the campus political landscape, according to the report. On July 16, students marched into the campus and clashed in pursuit and counter-pursuit with Bangladesh Chhatra League activists, who later retreated. About 1,500 female students joined the march near women’s halls. Participants said those days helped lay groundwork for the later national uprising.

Students besieged the administration building on July 17. Normal academic activities were effectively halted on July 18, when students announced five demands in protest over attacks on students elsewhere in the country. They held a symbolic funeral prayer for the vice-chancellor and administration, citing unmet demands and objections to the university administration’s role. Students also blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway during a “complete shutdown” protest.

After a nationwide curfew and army deployment on July 19, surveillance increased around campus and public programmes became difficult. Former coordinators cited fears of raids, intelligence monitoring and arrests. Movement participants said students reorganised from mess accommodations, while Rajshahi University and Rajshahi College students coordinated on legal assistance, security and communication with families.