Vice-Chancellor of the National University, Professor Dr A S M Amanullah, was injured on Wednesday after being attacked by students demanding auto pass for the 2022 Bachelor (Pass) program.
The attack took place around noon at the gate of the administrative building on the university’s Gazipur campus.
According to the university’s Acting Director of Public Relations, Md Mostafizur Rahman, the vice-chancellor was getting out of his car when he was surrounded by a group of students. Among them were individuals disguised as students who launched a sudden and violent assault, allegedly with malicious intent.
For the past several weeks, students who failed in the 2022 Bachelor (Pass) examinations have been staging protests, demanding automatic pass for all. The situation had previously led to multiple incidents of unrest on campus. However, the university administration held firm in its decision and proceeded with the scheduled exams. As a result, 69% of the candidates passed.
Mostafizur Rahman further stated that students of this batch had already been granted grace marks, taking into account the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and political instability. Additionally, they were offered the opportunity for answer script reevaluation, with the results expected to be published later this month.
Despite these considerations, Wednesday’s attack appears to have been fueled by external provocation. The university authorities have announced plans to file a case with Gacha Police Station in connection with the incident.