Human chain demands removal of BSMRSTU VC

Students of different educational institutions formed human chain at the base of Raju Sculpture on Dhaka University campus yesterday, demanding removal of vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU), Gopalganj, for “running the university in an autocratic manner”. 

At the human chain, formed under the banner of “Muktijuddho Mancha”, speakers said the VC is accused of slanderous activities and irregularities in the university’s several recruitment process.

Terming BSMRSTU VC Khondoker Md Nasiruddin an “autocrat and corrupt”, DU Prof AKM Jamal Uddin, convenor of the platform, said the VC tried to intimidate students in the name of disciplinary actions to keep their mouths shut.

Recently, recording of a conversation between the VC and Fatema Tuz Zinia -- a second-year student who was suspended from the university on September 10 for her remarks posted on Facebook -- emerged on social media and sparked widespread criticism.

In the conversation, the VC is heard using abusive language while speaking to Fatema -- also university correspondent of English daily The Daily Sun.

The VC also repeatedly called her an idiot and criticised her parents.

Students say the university authorities have suspended seven more students and show-caused 33 others in the last couple of months, for campaigning to ensure fair price of rice and over posts made on Facebook. The students say they had never posted any kind of status and comments which can damage reputation of the university.

“How can a university authority suspend or issue show-cause notice against its students for posting on Facebook?” questioned Prof Jamal, while addressing the programme yesterday.

BSMRSTU VC Prof Khandoker Nasiruddin could not be contacted by phone despite repeated attempts through phone and text messages over several days.

STUDENT BODIES ISSUE ULTIMATUM

Meanwhile, protesting the suspension order of Zinia, 22 campus journalists’ associations across the country in separate statements demanded immediate withdrawal of the suspension.

They said they would otherwise stage demonstrations under the banner of Bangladesh University Journalists’ Federation.

Bangladesh Chhatra Union also issued a statement yesterday, demanding removal of the VC and reversal of the suspension order of the student.