SUST VC’s removal not the only solution: FBUTA

Members of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association (FBUTA) have expressed concern about the recent incidents at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

"We do not think the resignation of the vice chancellor of SUST is the only way to solve the problem. Rather, it could worsen the situation," reads a press release published by FBUTA.

"The current vice chancellor has taken many important steps in the development of SUST and its students. Questions have arisen in people's minds about the intentions behind turning a settled issue into a movement to remove the VC," added the statement.

This might be part of an ongoing conspiracy to destabilise the country by using students to disrupt the peaceful environment prevailing at all the universities of Bangladesh, it added.

"We urge the authorities concerned – including the intelligence agencies of the government – to look into the matter seriously. At the same time, we are urging the authorities of SUST to bring back the learning environment by accepting all the logical demands of the students," the release reads.

According to various news outlets, students of Begum Sirajunnesa Chowdhury Hall of SUST staged a protest on the night of 13 January, protesting poor management and misbehaviour with students.

Later that night, students returned to the dormitory after being assured of redressal by the vice-chancellor, the press release reads.

The next day, some students met VC Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed and put forward a written demand for the removal of Provost Zafrin Ahmed Liza, appointment of a new provost, and an immediate solution for the mismanagement at the residential hall.

The vice-chancellor wanted one month's time from the students to resolve all the problems of the hall. However, the students resumed their movement, giving an ultimatum that their demands be met immediately.

On the morning of 16 January, while the vice-chancellor was on his way to attend a meeting of deans, a group of unruly students blocked the road at the Golchattor (intersection) and tried to harass him, added the FBUTA statement. 

Then some teachers and officials who accompanied the vice-chancellor took him to the ICT building. At one point, he fell ill while under siege.

When the police went to rescue him, they clashed with the protesting students. There are allegations that anti-government opportunists are trying to divert the movement, reads the release.

Provost Zafrin Ahmed, central to the trouble, reportedly misbehaved with some students. She later resigned from her post citing health issues. A new provost has already been appointed as demanded by the students.

Though the university was closed for the safety of students after removal of the provost, a vested quarter is trying to turn a just student movement into an anti-government movement, added the statement.