Teachers, students, and staff of Jagannath University (JnU) has staged protests on Thursday, demanding the appointment of a Vice Chancellor (VC) from within the university's own faculty.
The protest included a march around the campus, culminating in a sit-in in front of the administrative building, with participants chanting slogans such as “Our only demand: VC from JnU,” and “No more guest VC’s at Jagannath.”
The protesters criticized the practice of appointing VCs from outside the university, arguing that Jagannath University's faculty members are highly qualified and have successfully held administrative roles in other institutions.
They questioned why their own teachers were being overlooked for the position.
Professor Dr Mustafa Hasan, former dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and current chair of the Department of Social Work, said: “For the past 19 years, we have been suppressed. The teachers, students, and staff are united in their demand: the next VC must come from within Jagannath University.
“If this demand is not met, there will be unrest on campus, and the higher authorities will be responsible. We are protesting peacefully now, but if our demand is ignored, we will be forced to shut down classes and offices,” he added.
Student protesters echoed the same sentiments.
One student, Zahid, warned: “If a VC comes from outside, there will be fires of protest. No outsider will be allowed through Jagannath's gates. Our university is lagging behind in many areas because of external leadership.”
Another student said: “We have seen VCs come from outside, achieve their own interests, and then leave. We don't want that to happen again. The next VC must be from within our own teachers.”
The protests follow the resignation of former JnU VC Sadeka Halim on August 11, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in connection with the anti-discrimination student movement.
