Students continue protests for VC’s resignation

Students of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) in Gopalganj continued their protest for the third consecutive day on the campus yesterday, demanding resignation of the vice chancellor for his alleged involvement in corruption and irregularities.

The protesters went for “fast unto death” on Thursday night to press home their demand in front of the university’s administrative building.

Murad, a first-year English department student fell sick during the hunger strike and was hospitalised, said Shums Jabin, one of the protesters.

The agitating students also burnt the effigy of BSMRSTU VC Prof Khondokar Nasiruddin in the afternoon and shouted the slogan “step down VC”.

Several of the university teachers also expressed their solidarity with the students. They also demanded inquiry into the alleged corruption by the VC.

The protesters brought 20 allegations against him -- including sexual harassment, nepotism in recruiting teachers and other employees, and corruption in development projects like Shaheed Minar and Bangabandhu’s mural.

However, VC Prof Nasiruddin in a text message on Thursday night brushed aside the allegations, saying those are false and fabricated.

The demonstrators said the university authorities suspended students and served show-cause notice to those teachers whose speeches or statements go against them.

Fatema Tuz Zinia, a second-year student of law department and a campus reporter of The Daily Sun, was a victim of suspension for a Facebook post.

Amid countrywide protests, university authorities withdrew the suspension order on September 18.

At yesterday’s event, students vowed to continue their protests until the vice chancellor (VC) steps down from his post.