Rumours have begun spreading on the Dhaka University (DU) campus centring on the resignation of 11 hall provosts and acting proctor Prof Amzad Ali.
The rumours went viral on social media after that the provosts and acting proctor went to former vice chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique allegedly to submit resignation letters on Monday, September 4, said a DU teacher asking not to be named.
The speculation surrounding the resignation of the DU top officials grew on Wednesday, after Prof Akhtaruzzaman officially took up responsibilities as newly appointed interim vice chancellor (VC) of the university.
Also Read- Prof Akhtaruzzaman appointed as interim DU VC
Earlier on Tuesday, 33 members of the DU senate had expressed shock at the appointment of Prof Akhtaruzzaman as interim VC.
Former VC Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said: “All the hall provosts and the proctor came to me on September 4 and told me that they want redemption from their responsibilities and don’t want to continue their respective duties, because they were appointed during my tenure.”
“I told them that I will not accept any applications (resignations) from you and they must continue with their duties," he added.
Also Read- DU Senate members shocked over interim VC’s appointment
Newly appointed interim VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman told Dhaka Tribune: “I don’t know about any resignations. I met some of the provosts and the proctor this morning. It is a rumour that is spreading.”
Dhaka Tribune attempted to contact the provosts and proctor, but they either refused to comment or did not answer the phone.
According to sources at the university, the hall provosts and proctor wanted to submit resignation letters as they believed the appointment of the new VC was in clear violation of the Dhaka University Order 1973, drafted by Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.