Suspension of univ journo withdrawn
Authorities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) yesterday withdrew the suspension of Fatema Tuz Zinia, amid countrywide protests and criticism.
The authorities issued an office order in this regard, confirmed Registrar Prof Md Nuruddin Ahmed.
The order, singed by the registrar, claimed that Zinia apologised to the university administration and teachers of her department expressed sorrow over the matter in separate letters. Both the letters also requested the authorities to withdraw her suspension.
“Taking their requests and Zinia’s future into consideration, the authorities made the decision,” added the office order.
Zinia, however, told this correspondent that she neither sought an apology nor submitted any letter to withdraw her suspension. “Why would I apologise? I did not do anything wrong,” she said.
She said she did demand that her suspension be withdrawn as she is innocent.
On September 10, university authorities suspended Zinia, a second-year law student and university correspondent for the Daily Sun, for her posts on social media, which the authorities claimed has tarnished university’s image.
She said she did not post anything derogatory and faced suspension for her reports on irregularities and corruption in the university.
PROTESTS CONTINUE
Earlier in the day, students of Barishal University (BU) and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) formed human chains, demanding withdrawal of the suspension order.
Around 100 BU students at the human chain also demanded punishment of BCL activists who allegedly attacked Shums Jebin, BSMRSTU reporter of the daily Alokito Bangladesh, on September 16. Students of JKKNIU formed the human chain on campus around noon.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Campus Journalists’ Federation yesterday announced human chains in public universities today, demanding punishment for those involved in suspending Zinia, and a congenial atmosphere for journalists on campus.
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