BSMRSTU VC finally resigns

Khondoker Nasiruddin
Khondoker Nasiruddin

Embattled vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) professor Khondoker Nasiruddin has finally resigned from his post.

He submitted his resignation to the education ministry on Monday, a day after the probe body, formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to look into the overall situation of the university, recommended his withdrawal.

Talking to reporters, education minister Dipu Moni said, "The BSMRSTU vice-chancellor submitted his resignation letter today (Monday) and we'll now take necessary steps in this regard."

Asked about UGC probe report, she said they received it and further steps will be taken after going through it.

On Sunday night, the BSMRSTU VC left the university campus in Gopalganj under police escort.

The UGC probe panel recommended Nasiruddin's withdrawal on charges of irregularities and corruption.

It also suggested taking legal action against him over irregularities and corruption.

The probe panel made the recommendations in its report submitted to the UGC chairman professor Kazi Shahidullah on Sunday. The report was later forwarded to the education ministry.

The investigation committee found the allegations of irregularities and corruption against the BSMRSTU vice-chancellor to be true.

On 24 September, the UGC formed the five-member probe body, headed by its member Muhammad Alamgir, to look into the allegations brought against the BSMRSTU vice-chancellor.

The committee visited to the university on 25-26 September and talked to teachers, students and others concerned.

BSMRSTU students have been staging demonstrations over the last several days, demanding resignation of their VC.

Students alleged that there was no freedom of speech on the campus and that no-one could speak against the irregularities of the VC.

BSMRSTU's decision to suspended Fatema-tuz-Zinia, also the university correspondent of the Daily Sun, on 10 September for her 'objectionable' writings on Facebook triggered the student protest.

It forced the university authorities to revoke the suspension order on 18 September.