‘Won’t back down till VC steps down’

Five students were hospitalised and nine fell sick till yesterday evening, as the hunger strike, demanding resignation of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust) vice chancellor, continues.

The students began the strike at 2:50pm on Wednesday, as VC Farid Uddin Ahmed did not step down by that noon, despite the students' ultimatum.

Quoting a volunteer physician at the spot, a spokesperson of the protesting students said, "The students on hunger strike are suffering from dehydration as well as low sodium and potassium levels. Some have low blood pressure, nausea, and low glucose and sugar levels."

Some 10 students were receiving intravenous saline and vitamin supplements, he said, adding that they will continue the protest till their demand is met.

Earlier in the noon, around 50 teachers led by treasurer Prof Anwarul Islam came to talk to the students and urged them to sit for a discussion to resolve the issues.

However, the students refused and urged them to join their cause. The protesters had refused teachers' requests on Wednesday night as well.

The treasurer said, "We'll try to convince the students to call off the strike. We are sorry for the situation and urge them to consider the formal procedure."

"They [students] have already urged President Abdul Hamid, the highest authority. We are also urging the president and prime minister to investigate Sunday's matter. If the VC is at fault, steps will be taken against him," he said.

The treasurer added that the university authorities also urged police to withdraw the case filed against 200-300 unnamed students on Monday.

Meanwhile, 25 citizens of Sylhet gave a joint statement yesterday, condemning the situation and expressing solidarity with the students' demand.

Planning Minister MA Mannan at a programme in Sylhet yesterday said, "Students at this age are always agitated, and they cannot tolerate any decision imposed on them. The situation must be handled by convincing them in a controlled manner and with patience."

On Thursday, students of Begum Sirajunnesa Chowdhury Hall launched a protest after Provost Zafrin Ahmed Liza reportedly misbehaved with a student, who called her to report mismanagement at the dormitory.

Students started demanding the VC's resignation after over 30 students were injured, as police entered the campus and used truncheons, rubber bullets and sound grenades on Sunday evening to take the VC, who was confined at his office, away.