The agitating teachers of Jahangirnagar University (JU), on Monday, forcibly ousted the current vice-chancellor (VC), Prof. Anwar Hossain, from the campus as per their earlier announcement that the VC would not be allowed to enter the university premises. The JU VC had entered the campus to observe the occasion of Victory Day after placing wreaths on the National Memorial at Savar. Around 9am, the agitating teachers gathered inside the official residence of pro-VC Prof. Afsar Ahmed (admin) after receiving the news. They seized the key of the VC’s official vehicle and sent him out of the campus by the JU treasurer’s car.
Prof. Kamrul Ahsan said, “We requested the VC not to return to the university as he had not executed the chancellor’s directive to arrange the VC panel election to replace himself.” He added that pro-VC Prof. MA Matin (education) is currently discharging duties as the acting VC and thus Anwar Hossain cannot use the protocol and facilities of a vice-chancellor.
Kamrul Ahsan claimed that Anwar Hossain has been using the protocol and facilities of the JU VC while taking classes at private universities, even when on a sick leave. The teachers have laid a siege to the university’s administrative building since November 20, which halted all sorts of administrative activities.
On December 5, following government high-ups’ directives, Anwar Hossain had left the campus, escorted by the police, in the face of relentless protests by teachers and student. He extended his sick leave for 10 more days, said the JU registrar, adding that Prof. MA Matin has been the acting VC in his absence.
Under the banner of “Shikkhak-Shikkharthi-Karmokarta-Karmochari Oikya Forum”, a group of teachers has been demanding for a VC panel election, shortly after the President and JU Chancellor sent four directives to the VC and the teachers on November 6, including an immediate VC panel election through the senate.
Meanwhile, the 43rd Victory Day was observed at the JU on Monday.
-With The Independent input
