BSMRSTU vice chancellor should resign

There is no moral ground for the vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Khondoker Nasiruddin, to remain in office. He did not even condemn the attacks on his students by hired goons. The students have a one-point demand for his resignation.

His indifference towards the attacks on the students by outsiders is reprehensible. He said he did not know who carried out the attacks and claimed that section 144 was enforced to control the situation on campus. This is obviously not true. The Gopalganj deputy commissioner said the VC himself asked him to enforce section 144. This signifies the VC's vengeance against the agitating students. The DC, said he did not find any such situation warranting section 144 at the university. The students were attacked ruthlessly by outsiders and the district administration didn’t take any steps to save the students. The local district administration does not even admit that it was its duty to protect the students.

It's commendable that an assistant proctor resigned protesting against the attacks. At least someone among the teachers has raised his voice. He is a reliable witness too and that is crucial. He said the attacks were carried out "on the directives of the university administration”. We hope the claim is scrutinised. Political violence on campus is prevalent here. It's not uncommon either for outsiders to be used against the rival groups. A female student was expelled after she posted a status on Facebook questioning the purpose of the university. The VC was at the centre of the controversy and his comments on a leaked audio tape are disgraceful and unjust.

The debate over the Gopalganj VC brings into focus the questionable procedures for VC appointments at our public universities in recent years. It would be a relief for all if the VC himself resigns immediately.