The members of Dhaka University (DU) Senate have expressed shock over the appointment of Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman as the interim vice-chancellor (VC) of the university.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the senate members criticised the appointment saying Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique was still the VC of the university.
The statement was signed by 33 senators, all of whom are members of Pro-Awami League Blue Panel of teachers in the university.
The senate members pointed out in the statement that the Supreme Court on August 3 allowed Arefin Siddique to continue his duties as DU VC until the disposal of a High Court ruling issued in response to a writ petition challenging the legality of the three-member VC panel formed by the Senate on July 29.
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When the Supreme Court has given a decision on this matter, appointing Akhtaruzzaman as the interim VC is embarrassing for the university, the apex court and the government, especially when the writ is not resolved yet, the statement continued.
The senate members further said this decision was in clear violation of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, drafted by Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and a deliberate attack on the autonomy of the university.
They hoped the authorities concerned would adhere to the DU Order and uphold the dignity of this prestigious institution.