Barisal University students continue protests demanding VC’s removal

Barisal University (BU) students have been staging demonstration by putting up barricades on Barishal-Patuakhali highway since Wednesday morning demanding the vice-chancellor's resignation, reports UNB.

The agitated students also vowed to continue their protest unit their demand is met.

Meanwhile, communication of Barishal with Patuakhali, Barguna and Bhola districts remained suspended since the morning, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.

Witnesses said the students took to the street around 11:00am after keeping the main entrance of the academic building locked. They also boycotted all classes and examinations.

On 28 March, authorities shut down the university for an indefinite period amid student protests demanding withdrawal of the VC for his 'offensive' comment made while addressing a programme marking the 49th Independence Day on the campus.

The following day, professor Imamul Huq apologised for his comment, saying it was misunderstood by the students.

On 26 March, students started demonstrations claiming that the VC organised the Independence Day programme on the campus without inviting students. During the programme, the VC reportedly labelled them as offspring of collaborators who helped Pakistani army in Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971.

However, a meeting of the district administration, teachers and students decided to reopen the university on Sunday.