Buet standoff

The situation in the premier institution of engineering studies, the Buet, it seems, has turned for the worse. The education minister had assured the agitating teachers that the matter would be taken up at the highest level and resolved by next Sunday. In view of that, we feel, the teachers could have waited till then before announcing their plan to resign. We agree with the minister's comments that his task has been made difficult because of this.
On the other hand the VC has added further fuel to the fire by his callous and intemperate comments that he would hire teachers from outside in the event of the agitating teachers carrying out their threat. This is not only provocative but also farcical. It may be recalled that he precipitated the situation by his sudden declaration of 44 days' vacation of the university ahead of the schedule, thus showing his mala fide intentions.
What is at issue is not merely the verity or otherwise of the allegations against the man at the top of Buet administration, but also the image, values, and sanctity of the exalted office of VC. That is more so when more than 50 per cent of the teachers of the university have expressed their no-confidence in him.
But the incumbent VC is hanging on to his post terming the demands of the protesting teachers, students and employees as unethical and improper as he claims the allegations brought against him are false. Instead, he has suggested holding a judicial enquiry into the allegations.
It is imperative that the government takes urgent steps to end the ongoing Buet standoff within the soonest possible time. Because, at stake is the future of thousands of students of the university.
The authorities should form a high-powered enquiry committee to probe the allegations against the VC, who should resign immediately if he has the moral courage. At least, he should step aside till the inquiry into the allegations against him is completed.