Students protest at CU demanding resignation of proctorial body
The demonstration was jointly organised by the CU unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the Democratic Students’ Alliance, and students of the philosophy department.
Students at the University of Chittagong (CU) held a protest today (7 September) demanding the resignation of the university's proctorial body, and warned of locking down the proctor's office and administrative building if their demands are not met within 24 hours.
The demonstration was jointly organised by the CU unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the Democratic Students' Alliance, and students of the philosophy department.
The protesters alleged that despite repeated attacks on students by locals, the administration failed to take effective action. Instead, they continued recruitment activities without ensuring treatment for the injured. They further warned of a tougher movement if the proctorial body does not step down.
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At around 1pm today, the groups gathered in front of the administrative building, where Chhatra Dal symbolically displayed red cards against the administration. Protesters chanted slogans including "We will not let our brothers' blood go in vain," and "One point, one demand, resignation of the proctor."
Chhatra Dal leader Jalal Siddiqui said, "An administration that fails to ensure students' safety and makes disrespectful comments about female students cannot remain in place. Ensuring students' security is their duty; instead, they are busy with recruitment activities. That is why we demand their resignation."
Dhruvo Barua, convener of the Democratic Students' Alliance, said resignation of the proctorial body is among their 7-point demands. "Today we held a memorandum and mass-signature campaign, with nearly 1,000 students signing. We informed the VC that unless the proctorial body resigns within 24 hours, we will lock down the proctor's office and the administrative building," he added.
Yesterday, ''Zamindar building for recruitment trade' was written on the wall of the administrative building, changing the real name as a form of protest.
Philosophy students claimed two of their female peers were threatened by the vice-chancellor (VC) and registrar while taking photos near the writing, prompting them to join today's demonstration.
