Hundreds of students gathered at the university’s administrative building on Sunday afternoon to protest, when news spread that the vice-chancellor (VC) of Khulna University was resigning.
The students' chants echoed throughout the area surrounding the building.
At one point, the students entered the vice-chancellor's office and confronted him, saying that they had heard that the VC was resigning. They do not want VC’s resignation and will not accept it under any circumstances.
The protestors continued their demonstration in front of the administration building for an extended period, calling for the vice-chancellor to remain in his position.
Eventually, the vice-chancellor came down to address the students at the entrance.
Jahurul Tanvir, the coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Khulna University and a student in the Statistics department, said: “We have only one demand: we will not accept the vice-chancellor’s resignation under any circumstances. The VC should continue to manage the university effectively.
“If any obstacles arise, we will face them unitedly. Should there be any internal or external pressure on the vice-chancellor to resign, we will resist it. If necessary, the university will be shut down. We call upon the university’s Chancellor, the President, to take measures to ensure that the vice-chancellor is not forced to resign,” he added.
In response to the students, VC Prof Dr Mahmud Hossain said: “The vice-chancellor is not alone, a team is working here, including the pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, registrar, various committee members, faculty, and staff. Everyone is working towards the university’s development.
“I will consider the issues you have raised, discuss them with my team, and then speak with you again,” he added.
He also remarked that the students' presence and their statements were a significant acknowledgment of his teaching career.
The vice-chancellor then returned to his office, where he met with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mosammat Hosne Ara, Acting Registrar Professor Khan Golam Kuddus, and other faculty members.
