Dhaka, Dec. 22 -- Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem has rejected state protection, saying personal security arrangements are unjustifiable when public safety remains fragile for the wider population.

In the wake of recent violence in the country, the interim government decided to provide gunmen to 20 individuals, including student leaders of the July Uprising, political figures, and media personalities.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Shadik said he had been informed of the decision as part of that process but had chosen not to accept the offer.

Shadik said that after the fall of what he described as "killer Hasina" through a combined resistance of students and the public, people ha...