Barisal University students vow to continue protest

Shortly after the decision to reopen the university on Sunday, students of Barisal University on Saturday evening announced to continue their movement until the resignation of their vice-chancellor professor SM Imamul Huq.

Mohiuddin Ahmed Sifat, who is leading the movement, made the announcement at a press conference at the Barishal Press Club in the afternoon.

He said although they at a meeting earlier accepted the decision to reopen the university on Sunday, opinions of the general students were not taken. "So, our decision is that we'll continue our movement until the resignation of the VC or a written statement that he will go," Sifat said.

Earlier in the day, a meeting of the district administration, teachers and students at the Circuit House decided to reopen the university on Sunday, said university registrar Hasinur Rahman.
He said all the academic activities will begin on Sunday morning while residential halls were set to open at 7:00pm today (Saturday).
State minister for water recourses Zahid Faruk who also attended the meeting said the university administration agreed to meet students' 22-point demand.
"At the meeting, vice-chancellor SM Imamul Huq was urged to take leave and the prime minister will be informed of it. She'll take the further decision," he said.
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 arranged the Independence Day programme on the campus without inviting students.
However, the VC reportedly labelled them as sons of Razakars.