The Rajshahi University authority yesterday cancelled its decision to hike fees following a continuous strike and demonstration by the general students on the campus while two other student demands were yet to get the nod from the authority.
RU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin made the announcement at a press briefing at the senate building.
The VC said RU decided to postpone the hike in fees to continue the traditional harmonious relations between students and teachers considering the unstable situation at the university.
He added that the faculty authorities would decide whether the evening masters classes would be cancelled or not.
The university students had been continuing their movement from January 16 this year under the banner of “Teachers-Students against increased fees and evening courses” to push for their three-point demand.
The three include cancellation of the recently taken decision to introduce evening master’s courses under the Social Science Faculty, putting a stop to the ongoing evening masters’ courses at the faculties of BBA and Law and decrease in the recently increased fees.
The agitated students, however, decided to continue their movements till their demands were met.
They also alleged that RU declared the postponement of the increased fees to induce the students to stop the ongoing movement.
On the other hand, the Social Science Faculty members in a press release said they would abstain from holding classes and exams if the students did not withdraw their strike unconditionally.
In the early morning yesterday, students from different halls and private messes marched on the campus in large numbers and took position in front of all academic buildings.
They kept every gate of the buildings under lock and key to observe strike.
Over 5,000 students divided in several groups went on a demonstration peacefully to push for their demand on the campus. They also abstained from joining classes and examinations.
Later, a rally was held at the Sabas Bangladesh Chattar between 1am and 2pm.
At the rally, the RU students vowed to continue their movements till all of their demands were met.
Earlier, RU authorities at a meeting took decision to increase all kinds of fees two to five times more than the earlier rates.
The university authorities also initiated a move to introduce evening master’s courses at seven departments under the Social Science Faculty in line with the courses now underway at the BBA and Law Faculties.
In 2010, RU first took the initiative to introduce evening courses, but backed off following strong opposition from students.