UIU forms independent fact-finding committee amid ongoing unrest
The protesting students alleged that faculty members with political affiliations were actively harassing students who participated in the 2024 July mass uprising
The Board of Trustees of United International University (UIU) has formed an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the recent unrest on campus, days after the university's vice-chancellor and all deans, heads, and directors stepped down in the face of intense student protests.
In a revised statement issued yesterday (28 April), the Board said it was "deeply concerned" about recent developments both on campus and across social media platforms, and has pledged to exercise due diligence to ensure that "all major decisions are based on a comprehensive understanding of the facts amidst various claims and narratives."
"To maintain transparency and uphold UIU's commitment to educational development in Bangladesh, the Board has constituted an independent committee to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry," the statement read.
The committee members are:
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Prof Md Mujibur Rahman, Department of Civil Engineering: Chair
Dr Sadid Muneer, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Member
Dr Mofijul Hoq Masum, Associate Professor, School of Business and Economics: Member Secretary
It is to be noted that Dr Mohammad Tariq Hasan, associate professor, School of Business and Economics, who was previously named, has been removed from the committee due to an earlier inclusion error.
The committee has been asked to submit its report within seven working days, incorporating all relevant evidence, findings, and statements.
"The Board remains committed to maintaining transparency, fairness, and the highest standards of integrity in addressing the situation, while continuing to work toward academic excellence and national development," it added.
This move comes in the wake of ongoing student protests that led to the resignation of UIU's VC, deans, heads, directors.
The protesting students alleged that faculty members with political affiliations were actively harassing students who participated in the 2024 July mass uprising.
The students' demands also include the immediate implementation of 'UIU Reform 1.0'.
