Demanding VC's resignation: SUST students suspend protest on assurance of education minister

The students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have suspended their protest demanding the resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof Farid Uddin, on the assurance of Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni and her deputy Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel.

Mohaiminul Bashar Raj, a spokesman of the protesters came up with the announcement at a press conference held on the university campus at around 8:00 pm tonight, reports our Sylhet correspondent.

"We are suspending the movement believing in the assurance given by the ministers. And we will be waiting for our demands to be met as per their assurance," he said urging to resume classes and examinations from tomorrow which were suspended in a syndicate meeting on January 16 night.

The protesting students came up with the decision after a meeting among them at 5:30pm. In the meeting, the minutes of the discussion with the Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, held yesterday afternoon, was discussed.

The spokesperson said, "Yesterday, the minister and the deputy minister of Education came to the university at our invitation. We had a long discussion with them and they listened to us sincerely. Our discussion was fruitful".

"In response to our first demand, the resignation of the vice-chancellor, the minister assured us that she will convey our demand to the chancellor and we hope that the chancellor will consider our demand," he said.

He also said the minister assured of withdrawing two cases filed against present and former students, all blocked mobile and banking numbers will be resumed and the treatment of critically injured student Sazal Kundu will be ensured along with a government job considering his situation.

A group of SUST students on January 13, began demonstrations demanding the removal of their dormitory's provost Zafrin Ahmed Liza, for misbehaving with a student.

Police on January 16, fired rubber bullets and hurled sound grenades on the agitating students, triggering a clash that left more than 30 students injured. The attack prompted the students to wage demonstrations demanding the resignation of VC Farid.