The authorities of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) today withdrew the suspension order of female journalist Fatema Tuz Zinia amid countrywide protest and criticism.

The university authorities issued an office order in this regard.

Fatema, second year of LLB (Honours) student and the university correspondent of The Daily Sun, was suspended for her posts on social media on September 10.

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BSMRSTU suspends journo for ‘tarnishing image of university’

The suspension has sparked criticism on social media. Many demanded unconditional withdrawal of her suspension and a proper investigation into the corruption allegations.

Earlier in the day, students of Barishal University and Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) formed two separate human chains demanding immediate withdrawal of Fatema’s suspension order.

Around 100 students formed a human chain on Barishal University campus around 12:30 pm to press home their demand.

Bangladesh Journalism Students’ Council and general students of the university jointly organised the programme.

The protesters also demanded punishment of BCL goons who allegedly launched an attack on Shums Jebin, a university reporter of Alokito Bangladesh, for taking a stand for Fatema.

The reporters working at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) formed a human chain on the campus on September 18, 2019, demanding withdrawal of Fatema Tuz Zinia’s suspension order. Photo: Collected

The reporters working at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) formed a human chain on the campus on September 18, 2019, demanding the withdrawal of Fatema Tuz Zinia’s suspension order. Photo: Collected

The reporters working at JKKNIU formed a human chain on the campus with the same demands.

JKKNIU Press Club formed the protest programme around 12:30 pm in front of the administrative building.

“We will enforce tougher movement if the suspension order is not withdrawn by tomorrow,” said Aunkur Sarkar, a final-year student of the Film and Media Studies department of the university.

Terming BSMRSTU Vice-Chancellor Prof Khondoker Nasiruddin as an “autocrat and corrupt”, the speakers also sought his resignation.