UGC team talks to students

A team from the University Grants Commission (UGC) yesterday reached Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) in Gopalganj.

The five-member team, led by UGC member Prof Dr Dil Afroza Begum, reached the campus around 5pm and talked to students who have been demonstrating since September 18, demanding resignation of the vice-chancellor for his alleged involvement in corruption and irregularities.

During its visit, the team will record statements of Fatema Tuz Zinia, the university correspondent of The Daily Sun, who was suspended on September 10 over a Facebook post. The suspension was later withdrawn amid widespread protests.

The team will also talk to VC Prof Khondoker Md Nasiruddin and officials of the university, before they submit a report to UGC -- the regulatory body for higher education, said officials of the commission.

Yesterday, students brought out a procession wielding brooms on the campus, protesting remarks made by the VC during a private television channel interview.

The VC in the interview claimed that students in the name of demonstrations are staying on campus overnight and engaging in illicit activities with outsiders.

The protesters held a press briefing where they came down hard on the VC, saying he wanted to divert their movement to another direction through his remarks.

They said they will continue their protest until their demand is met.

In the wake of their ongoing movement, the university authorities on September 21 declared a 10-day vacation ahead of Durga Puja.