Prof Aynul Islam escorted off Jagannath University campus amid student protest

Students at Jagannath University today forced Prof Dr Md Aynul Islam of the Department of Economics out of his office, alleging that he openly supported the Awami League government during the July Uprising.

The incident occurred around 12:00pm at the professor’s office, with leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, and students from different departments joining the protest.

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University sources said Acting Registrar Prof Md Sheikh Gias Uddin had appointed Prof Aynul as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences on July 7, and he assumed the post on July 12.

Protesting students alleged that during the uprising, Prof Aynul attended meetings at Gono Bhaban on August 3 with pro-Awami League teachers and met then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina to discuss ways to deal with the movement.

They also claimed he joined a human chain organised by the university’s pro-Awami League “Blue Panel” on August 4.

Nur Mohammad, health and environment secretary of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU), said, “Students do not want any teacher who stood against them during the July Uprising to remain on campus. At the same time, no teacher should be implicated through false allegations. The administration must clarify its position regarding those accused.”

Speaking to The Daily Star, Prof Aynul said, “Several students entered my office and asked me to leave the campus, alleging that I was an associate of the Awami League. They have been making the same allegation against me for the last two years without any evidence. Later, members of the administration escorted me away.”

He added that since his appointment, the issue had intensified.

Prof Aynul previously served as general secretary of the Bangladesh Economic Association, president of the Jagannath University Teachers’ Association, and president of the university’s Blue Panel. During the July 2024 uprising, he was acting registrar of the university but stepped down on August 11, 2024 amid student protests.