BNP leader arrested after case over forcing Rajshahi Medical University VC to resign
Rajshahi city BNP says it will not take responsibility for the incident, while police are examining video footage to identify other suspects.
A BNP leader has been arrested in Rajshahi after a case was filed against 50-60 unidentified people over allegations that a mob entered Rajshahi Medical University and forced Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Jawadul Haque and a section officer to resign against their will.
Abdus Salam, vice-president of the Rajpara Thana unit of BNP, was arrested from his residence in the city's Paramedical area late last night (6 October), said police.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said the case was filed by Nazmul Hossain, the VC's personal assistant and a section officer at the university, with Rajpara Police Station.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"After the case was recorded, police arrested Abdus Salam late at night. Police are also trying to arrest the other accused by examining video footage," he said.
According to the police, the case was filed over allegations that the accused entered the university premises and forced the VC and the section officer to resign, obstructed government duties, issued threats, physically assaulted them, looted government property and confined them.
However, Rajshahi city BNP President Mamun-or-Rashid said the party would not take responsibility for the incident, saying BNP was not involved in mob activities.
"BNP does not believe in mob politics. Those who carried out this mob activity did so in their personal capacity. BNP will not take responsibility for it," he said.
University authorities also alleged that the VC was insulted, humiliated and assaulted and was threatened with death before being unlawfully forced to sign the resignation letter.
University officials and employees are scheduled to hold a human chain protesting the incident.
A tense situation has prevailed across the campus since the incident. Although officials and employees have been attending the university, they have been unable to carry out their duties, said Deputy Registrar Dr Md Mofakhkharul Islam.
"An environment conducive to work has not been created at the university. A tense situation prevails across the campus. Following such an incident involving the head of the university, everyone is feeling insecure," he said.
The case was filed late last night (6 October) by Nazmul Hossain against 50-60 unidentified people following the incident on the university campus.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly entered the university premises and forced VC Prof Dr Jawadul Haque and Nazmul to sign resignation letters against their will.
The allegations also include obstruction of government duties, threats, physical assault, confinement and looting of government property.
Police said they are examining video footage to identify and arrest the other people involved in the incident.
Doctors, students demand justice
Meanwhile, doctors, medical students and university officials and employees held separate human chains in front of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital and Rajshahi Medical University today (7 October), protesting the forced resignation, humiliation and alleged death threats against VC Prof Dr Jawadul Haque.
At a human chain in front of the medical college hospital, speakers condemned what they described as "mob culture" and demanded a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for those involved.
Dr Shafiqul Islam, associate professor of gastroenterology at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, said those responsible for forcing the VC to sign the resignation letter should be brought to justice.
"We should be treating patients and performing surgeries, but today we have to stand on the streets. This is in no way desirable," he said, calling for a safe and orderly environment for healthcare workers and the immediate arrest of those involved.
Intern doctor Dr Tasmia Akter said doctors did not want to see any teacher or physician humiliated in such a manner in the future, while Islami Bank Medical College student Zubayer Ahsan said the incident had raised concerns over the safety of doctors.
At a separate human chain in front of the university, Examination Controller and Registrar (Additional Charge) Prof Dr Shah Alam said university officials and employees had been feeling insecure since the incident.
"We want security and a proper working environment at the university. We want assurances that such an incident will not happen again," he said.
