Khulna University (KU) Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Hossain resigned from his position on Tuesday, citing personal reasons.
The outgoing acting registrar, Professor Khan Golam Quddus, confirmed the resignation.
Before announcing his decision, Mahmood Hossain addressed the students, adding: "It is no longer possible for me to continue. The criticism I have faced, especially on social media, has eroded my respect. I can no longer bear this loss. My honour comes first; let me rest in peace. I don't want you to take any further actions. Please, return to your classes.”
However, news of the vice-chancellor's resignation has sparked anger and frustration among university students.
Sadia, a student from the agrotechnology department, was in tears upon hearing the news.
She said: "I can't believe it. Sir's speech during our orientation was a life-changing moment for me. His motivational words have had a lasting impact on my life. Despite his busy schedule as VC, he always found time to teach. He would enter the classroom just a minute or two before 9am.”
Former KU student Farhana Yasmin Asha expressed her shock: "I am devastated. Sir handled the quota movement with such grace, preventing the police from entering the campus. No other university managed to do what he did. He is an exemplary figure among VCs across the country. He is a great teacher and researcher, and I cannot accept his resignation."
Dr Sanjay Kumar Adhikari, a former teacher at the university, praised Prof Mahmood Hossain, saying: "As vice-chancellor, Prof Mahmood Hossain set a unique example of working with everyone, regardless of party affiliation.”
Former KU vice chancellor Dr Md Saifuddin Shah also spoke highly of Prof Mahmood Hossain: "He has played an extraordinary role in advancing education, research, and development at Khulna University. The initiatives I began during my tenure, such as introducing the first Outcome Based Education (OBE) Curriculum among universities in the country and emphasizing PhD research, have created significant opportunities. Under his leadership, the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) has been greatly strengthened, and the university has reached an international level in education, research, development, and innovation. I did not expect his resignation."
Dr Saifuddin Shah added: "Prof Mahmood Hossain not only advanced the university in terms of education, research, and infrastructure but also fostered a family-like environment on campus. His dedicated efforts have earned the university immense trust, which is why the Khulna University campus remained peaceful during the tumultuous period before and after the student uprising — no one even threw a single stone. This speaks to the level of respect and admiration he has garnered as VC.”
On the same day, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mosammat Hosne Ara, Treasurer Professor Amit Roy Chowdhury, acting registrar Professor Khan Golam Quddus, and the provosts of five halls also resigned.
Additionally, two members of the syndicate, the director of the physical education department, and the director and additional director of IQAC, along with the director of the university's infrastructure development project, tendered their resignations.
