BU Protests: Students block Barishal-Kuakata highway

Barishal University (BU) students yesterday blocked the Barishal-Kuakata highway seeking resignation of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Imamul Huq, boycotting classes and exams.

Agitated students blocked the highway from 10am to 12:30pm, causing severe traffic jam. “We will not return to class without written assurance of the VC's leave,” said one student.

With this, BU's deadlock situation continued for the 13th day yesterday. Dr Hasinur Rahman, registrar of BU, said halls and canteens opened on Saturday night according to the decisions made in the negotiation meeting between students and the university authorities, district and divisional administration, local lawmaker and State Minister for Water Resources Zahid Faruque, and city Mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah. He said that classes were supposed to resume on Sunday but the students refused to attend.

Sofiqul Islam, one of the leaders of the protest, said they only received verbal assurance from the authorities concerned about Imamul Huq's leave from the post of VC, so they will continue protesting until they receive written confirmation.

VC Dr Imamul Haq said he has not yet been formally notified of the decision to send him on leave.