SUST opens inquiry into ‘attack on VC’ after BCL assaults teachers on campus

Authorities at Sylhet’s Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have opened an investigation into the ‘attack on the vice chancellor’.

The moves came a day after activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) attacked and manhandled teachers protesting peacefully on Sunday against the vice chancellor (VC).

VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan at a press conference on Monday said, “A three-member committee has been formed over Sunday’s scuffle and attack on the VC.”

The Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Sabina Islam, will lead the inquiry with Proctor Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and Social Work teacher Amina Parveen to assist her.

All three are with the teachers’ faction that supports the VC.

One of the journalists at the media briefing said that it was the teachers, who were demonstrating against the VC, who were attacked on Sunday.

VC Bhuiyan responded that he only “came to know about the attack on teachers today from the media”.

“No complaints either in writing or verbally have been lodged on behalf of the teachers.”

He said the committee would probe the ‘whole affair’ and bring those responsible to justice.

“The probe body has been asked to file its report as soon as possible. The matter of attack on VC is being taken very seriously.”

The pro-government teacher’s platform has been demonstrating since Apr 12, demanding removal of VC Bhuiyan for alleged misconduct, irregularities and corruption.

Another organisation of pro-government teachers, however, claims the movement is a conspiracy to destabilise the university.

Activists of the SUST unit of the ruling Awami League’s student affiliate attacked teachers on Sunday, who were peacefully protesting in front of the administrative building.

Demonstrating teachers were dragged, shoved and pushed away from the place.

Even as the teachers were manhandled, the VC entered the building and went to his office on the first floor.

At least seven teachers were injured in the attack, claimed the protesting teachers’ faction.

Female teachers were not spared; Physics Department’s Yasmeen Haque fell to the ground when BCL activists were assaulting teachers.

The teachers’ faction put on black badges and stayed away from work on Monday protesting the attack.

VC Bhuiyan, however, claimed that he was attacked by demonstrating teachers and said students gathered at their own will to ‘protect the academic environment’.

BCL Central Committee’s General Secretary SM Jakir Hossain said none of their activists were involved.

The SUST unit of ruling Awami League’s student affiliate has claimed they took no organisational decision to stop the teachers.