SUST VC apologises 27 days after police-student clash on campus

Vice Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) Professor Farid Uddin Ahmed issued a formal apology today over the January 16 clash between students and police on the campus.

The apology came 27 days after the students started movement demanding the VC's resignation over the clash that saw at least 40 students and teachers and members of police injured.

The VC issued a press release expressing regret over the incident.

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"I express my sincere sympathy and condolences to all those who have been injured in the unfortunate incident at our beloved university, including teachers, students and staff," read the statement.

"As the supreme guardian of the university, I am deeply sorry for the untoward incident. I would like to express my gratitude to the faculty, students, officials and staff of the university who have been working tirelessly to overcome the stalemate situation caused by the incident," added Farid Uddin in his statement.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the responsible persons of all levels of the government including the state minister of education under the guidance of the education minister, central and local Awami League leaders, all members of the civil society in Sylhet and members of law enforcement agencies including various intelligence agencies," the statement also reads.

"I would also like to thank the media personnel who have played a responsible role in solving the problems of the university," he added.

The VC further said, "I urge all the members of the university family to play their part in bringing back the beautiful and normal functioning of the university. I firmly believe that with joint effort by all, it will be possible to turn our beloved institution into a world-class university."

VC Farid Uddin went to his office from his residence yesterday after 26 days to meet with Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni who went to SUST to talk to the agitating students.

In the meeting, education minister advised him to issue an apology over the incident, SUST Treasurer Prof Anwarul Islam had said after the meeting.