BSMRSTU: IR dept chair resigns amid student protests

Khondokar Mahmud Parvez, chairman of International Relations (IR) department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) resigned from his post yesterday amid student protests.

He submitted his resignation letter to BSMRSTU registrar Dr Nuruddin Ahmed around 4:45pm, citing personal issues.

Earlier in the day, students of IR department staged a sit-in programme in front of their classroom demanding the chairman’s resignation, alleging that Parvez was running the department “per his own wishes.”  

Pronoy, a second-year student of the department claimed despite having second class in his undergraduate and graduate degrees, Parvez joined the university as he is a relative of former vice-chancellor Prof Khondokar Nasiruddin. He added that Parvez is running the department in an autocratic manner.

“He intentionally scored 34 students zero in their assignment papers,” Pronoy claimed. 

Meanwhile, agitating students withdrew their demonstration after their demand was met.

University’s Proctor Raziur Rahman said they would take action against Parvez if he is found guilty. 

Acknowledging the resignation letter, BSMRSTU acting Vice Chancellor Prof Md Shahjahan said they will appoint a new chairperson in this department soon.  

Meanwhile, students of livestock science and veterinary medicine (LVM), and law departments also demanded resignation of their respective department’s chairpersons Md Abdul Kuddus Miah and Md Shafiquzzaman in two separate letters bringing the same allegations. 

VC Shahjahan said they were aware of the students demands and will take steps according to the university’s rules and regulations.