BSMRSTU VC leaves campus following withdrawal recommendation

The probe body formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended withdrawal of Vice-chancellor (VC) of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) Khondoker Nasiruddin as it found evidence of irregularities and corruption against him.

It also suggested taking legal action against him over irregularities and corruption.

The probe panel made the recommendations in its report submitted to the UGC Chairman Prof Dr Kazi Shahidullah on Sunday. The report was later forwarded to the Education Ministry.

Following the recommendation of withdrawal, the VC left his residence on the university campus under police protection around 9:00pm on Sunday.

On September 24, the UGC formed the five-member probe body, headed by its member Dr Muhammad Alamgir, to look into the allegations brought against the BSMRSTU vice-chancellor. The other members of the committee are UGC members Prof Dr Dil Afroz Begum and Prof. Dr Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, Director (Public University Management Division) Kamal Hossain and its Deputy Director Mauli Azad.

The committee visited the university on September 25-26 and talked to teachers, students and others concerned.

BSMRSTU students have been staging demonstrations over the last several days, demanding resignation of their VC.

Students alleged that there was no freedom of speech on the campus and that no one could speak against the irregularities of the VC.

BSMRSTU’s decision to suspended its law department student Fatema-tuz-Zinia, also the university correspondent of a daily newspaper, on September 10 for her ‘objectionable’ writings on Facebook triggered the student protest.

It forced the university authorities to revoke the suspension order on September 18.

Since September 19, BSMRSTU students have been staging demonstrations, demanding resignation of their VC, bringing allegations of irregularities and corruption against him.

Gopalganj/Badol Saha/AI