The probe committee formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to investigate the misdeeds of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Khondoker Md Nasiruddin has recommended that he be removed from his post.
A letter signed by UGC Chairman Prof Dr Kazi Shahidullah was sent to the Education Ministry in this regard on Sunday, said UGC member Prof Dil Afroze Begum.
The five member committee found evidence of arbitrariness, irregularities and corruption, confirmed a UGC official. The committee also recommended legal action against the VC.
On September 24, the UGC formed a five-member committee to investigate the situation at BSMRSTU, as students of the university have been protesting in the demand for the resignation of the vice-chancellor for his alleged involvement in corruption and irregularities since September 18.
On Sunday, the students organized a sit-in program on the university campus and sought the prime minister's intervention to resolve the crisis.
Investigation into the attack on students
The investigation committee formed by BSMRSTU has recommended the filing of a case regarding the attack on protesting students on September 21, as they have failed to identify the culprits.
Dr M Abdur Rahim Khan, who led the probe committee, said they had failed to gather evidence and identify the attackers.
“We have asked the administration to file a lawsuit to investigate the matter,” he added.
However, University Registrar Prof Nuruddin Ahmed said they do not feel the need to file a separate case, as a case filed by the students with the Sadar police station is already under investigation.
Gopalganj Sadar police station Officer-in-Charge M Monirul Islam confirmed that Priyota Dey, a third year student of the university, filed a case against unnamed 100 people - allegedly followers of the VC - for the attack on September 24.
Investigating officer of the case Sub-Inspector Sirajul Islam Siraj said the investigation began immediately after the case was filed.
What caused the protests?
The students started their protests when the BSMRSTU authorities issued an order to suspend second-year law student Fatema-tuz-Zinia earlier this month, for her supposedly objectionable comments about BSMRSTU in a Facebook post on September 10.
However, the university lifted the suspension order on September 18, after the news went viral on social media and sparked severe criticism of the university.
On September 20, authorities shut down the university until October 3. The university authorities also asked its students to vacate the halls.
On September 21, at least 20 students of BSMRSTU in Gopalganj were injured during attacks allegedly by the vice-chancellor’s supporters.Following the incident, students intensified their protests against the vice-chancellor and demanded his resignation.
