Barishal University VC, pro-VC, treasurer removed in the face of student protest
Professor Mohammad Toufiq Alam, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Rajshahi University, has been appointed as the interim vice chancellor of Barisal University
The government has relieved Professor Suchita Sharmin of her duties as the vice chancellor of Barishal University, fulfilling the demand of the students and teachers, who have been protesting seeking her removal for 28 days.
In addition to Prof Sharmin, the university's Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Golam Rabbani, and Treasurer Professor Mamun-ur-Rashid have also been relieved of their duties.
The Directorate of Secondary & Higher Education issued separate notifications, signed by Senior Assistant Secretary ASM Kashem, in these regards on the order of the president on Tuesday (13 May).
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In another notification, the directorate appointed Professor Mohammad Toufiq Alam, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Rajshahi University, as the interim vice chancellor of Barisal University until the appointment of the full-time vice chancellor.
The notification states that while performing the duties of vice chancellor, Professor Alam will receive the salary and allowance equivalent to his current position, in addition to enjoying other benefits related to the position as per the rules. He will be present on the university campus full-time as the chief executive officer of the university.
Shuchita Sharmin, who was a professor at Dhaka University's Development Studies Department, was appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Barishal University on 23 September shortly after the interim government came to power. She was the university's fifth VC and the first female to hold the post.
Meanwhile, the directorate has allowed the dismissed BU officials rejoin their previous posts - Prof Sharmin at the Development Studies Department of Dhaka University, Professor Rabbani at the Institute of Social Welfare and Research of Dhaka University, and Professor Mamun at the Animal Science and Veterinary Faculty of Patuakhali University of Science and Technology.
The president, who is the chancellor of the university, can cancel this appointment at any time if they deem it necessary, it adds.
Students at Barishal University started their protest over 22 demands on 16 May. When their demands were not met, they started a movement demanding the removal of the VC.
During the movement, the students shut down the administrative activities of the university, locked the VC's residence, and launched an academic shutdown.
In addition, the students launched a hunger strike on Monday (12 May) and the South Bengal Blockade programme on Tuesday by blocking the Barisal-Kuakata highway from 5pm.
Teachers, officials, and employees also expressed solidarity with them. Amid the movement, four teachers resigned from five positions in the university administration.
Finally, at 9:30pm tonight, the students ended the protests and held a joyous procession on the campus after hearing the news.
