RU students boycott classes demanding new grading system

Students of business studies faculty under 2004-05 and 2005-06 sessions at Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday boycotted classes demanding results under newly approved indifferent grading system.
They also locked the faculty dean office for over one hour and staged demonstration on the campus to press home their demand.
Earlier, at around 11:00am, over 300 students of marketing, management, accounting and finance and banking departments brought out a procession wearing back badges on the campus.
Later, they locked the faculty dean office at the university dean complex and staged demonstration in front of the office till 12:30pm to press home their demand.
The students alleged that they will be deprived of better opportunities in job markets as students of the next batches will secure higher grade points getting the same marks.
“Under University Grants Commission (UGC) approved new system followed from 2006-07 session, a student secures 3.75 points getting 'A' grade where as under the old system he will secure 3.50 points getting the same grade,” said a student.
The students alleged that earlier they discontinued agitation on December 21 on assurance from the faculty dean that the authorities will hold academic committee meeting on December 28 to look into matter but they are yet to take any such initiative.
They also called for an indefinite strike at the faculty from today if their demand is not met within 24 hours.
Prof Shah Nowaz Ali, dean of business studies faculty told this correspondent that they would need some more time as the 'system is a little complex in nature'
Sources said no class and examination were held at the faculty during the agitation.