Students of different educational institutions including Dhaka University today formed a human chain on the DU campus demanding immediate removal of the vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University.

The students have been demanding VC Prof Khandakar Nasir Uddin’s resignation over the allegation of irregularities brought against him and for “running the university with an autocratic manner”.

Under the banner of "Muktijuddho Mancha," the protesters formed a human chain at the base of Raju Sculpture around 12:30pm. 

They also demanded withdrawal of the suspension order of journalist Fatema Tuz Zinia, a student of the university who was suspended on September 10 for posting status and comments on Facebook which the authorities claimed tarnished the university’s image.

Several teachers of DU also took part in the human chain programme.

Terming the BSMRSTU VC “autocrat and corrupt”, DU Prof AKM Jamal Uddin, also the convenor of the platform, said the authorities tried to intimidate students in the name of disciplinary actions to keep their mouth shut.

“How can a university authority suspend or issue show cause notice against its students for posting status and comments on Facebook?”, he asked.

The students have the rights to talk and write about such issues, he added.

Pointing out the VC’s “controversial activities”, the protesters urged the education ministry to launch an investigation and remove him. Otherwise, they will wage a tougher movement, the students threatened.

Meanwhile, Shams Jebin, BSMRSTU reporter of the daily Alokito Bangladesh, came under attack by the supporters of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) on the campus around 12:30pm today, the victim told The Daily Star Online.

He claimed that the criminals attacked him as per the instruction of the BSMRSTU VC for speaking in favour of Zinia. 

He was undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Gopalganj when this report was filed this noon.