BU Protests: VC sent on leave, students rejoice
Dr S M Imamul Huq, Vice-chancellor of Barishal University, was sent on a 46-day leave from April 11 to May 26, in the face of 35 days of continuous protests from students, teachers and employees of the university demanding his removal.
After receiving the news, agitated students withdrew their protest programme and rejoiced. Barishal city mayor Serniabat Sadiq Abdullah opened the main gate of the administrative building on 11:30am yesterday, resuming normalcy at the university.
A letter signed by Habibur Rahman, deputy secretary of education ministry (public university section of secondary and higher education), confirmed the news.
Till further order, Dr AKM Mahbub Hasan, treasurer of BU, will take on the role of acting VC. The letter said this order was passed with approval from and under the direction of the university’s chancellor, President Abdul Hamid.
“I took charge as VC yesterday as additional duty and all administrative offices started functioning normally. BU academic activities will start in full swing after May day vacation,” said Dr AKM Mahbub Hasan. “To cover the academic session jam, we may have to take extra classes on weekends.”
He added that Dr Imamul Huq’s tenure as VC will expire on May 26.
Protest leader and BU student Lokman Hossain said, “Our peaceful protests have finally resulted in victory and the autocratic VC has been removed from his post. We are happy that our demand has been met.”
Students started protesting on March 26 after they were allegedly excluded from the university’s Independence Day programme. On the same day, VC Imamul Huq made a remark calling protesting students “Razakar-er Bachcha.”
Agitated students demanded his resignation after this. On March 28, BU authorities announced that the university will be closed indefinitely. The next day, the VC apologised, but the students continued their protest.
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